National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Friday notified Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the new opposition leader in the Lower House, replacing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Omar Ayub months after he was disqualified over a criminal conviction.
Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan nominated Achakzai, who also heads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), for the opposition leader’s slot in August after Ayub was disqualified following his sentencing to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment in a case pertaining to the May 9, 2023 riots.
“In pursuance of rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NA, 2007, honorable speaker has been pleased to declare Mahmood Khan Achakzai, MNA, as Leader of the Opposition in NA with effect from Jan. 16, 2026,” read the notification issued by NA acting secretary Saeed Ahmad Maitla.
In a posting on X, Ayub congratulated Achakzai on his notification as the new opposition leader. “It is a great singular honor and … Ackhakzai sahib will InshahAllah fulfil his responsibilities brilliantly,” he wrote.
Prior to the issuance of the notification, Sadiq summoned PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and Chief Whip Amir Dogar to his chambers, stating he had a “notification to give” them. “Come to my chamber, I have a notification to give,” he said during proceedings of the Lower House. The three then proceeded to the speaker’s chamber, with the PTI chairman confirming the appointment of the opposition leader after the meeting.
The opposition has repeatedly alleged the government deliberately delayed Achakzai’s appointment. However, the NA speaker has asserted that the matter was “sub judice” until recently, likely due to Ayub’s appeal against his disqualification, which the PTI subsequently withdrew.