After months of uncertainty and procedural delays, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), was officially notified as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly on Friday.
According to a notification issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, the appointment came into effect on January 16, 2026, under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
The notification stated that Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, had formally approved Achakzai’s appointment after completion of the required constitutional process.
Speaker Hands Over Notification to Opposition Delegation
Before the official announcement, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq summoned Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), along with Chief Whip Amir Dogar, to his chamber at Parliament House.
Addressing Gohar on the floor of the House, the speaker said he had a “notification to hand over,” after which the acting speaker temporarily presided over proceedings. Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar confirmed to the media that the long-awaited notification had finally been issued.
“The notification should have been issued earlier, but certain issues caused delays,” Gohar said. “Today, our constitutional right has finally been recognised after a prolonged wait.”
Background of the Delay
Achakzai’s name for the opposition leader’s post was originally proposed by incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan in August last year. However, the position remained vacant for nearly five months following the disqualification of former opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan in August 2025.
Although the opposition had submitted Achakzai’s nomination twice — first in October and again in January — the speaker maintained that the matter could not proceed while legal challenges related to Omar Ayub’s disqualification were pending. These petitions were later withdrawn, clearing the way for a fresh process.
On January 6, the speaker formally restarted the procedure during a National Assembly session, eventually leading to Friday’s notification.
Congratulations Pour In From PTI Leaders
Following the announcement, Omar Ayub Khan congratulated Achakzai, expressing confidence in his leadership. “It is a singular honour, and I am hopeful he will discharge his responsibilities with distinction,” Ayub said in a post on X.
PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan, Zulfikar Bukhari, Ali Asghar Khan, and Naureen Farooq Ibrahim also extended their congratulations, expressing optimism that Achakzai would play a key role in restoring democratic norms and advocating for the release of detained political leaders.
Ali Muhammad Khan said he hoped Achakzai would use his new role to push for the release of Imran Khan and other imprisoned PTI figures, including Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
A Crucial Role Ahead
As head of the opposition in the lower house, Achakzai is expected to lead parliamentary oversight, represent opposition voices, and play a central role in legislative debate during a politically sensitive period.
His appointment brings an end to months of procedural deadlock and restores a key constitutional position in the National Assembly.
Originally published by Dawn News.
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