NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq notifies Achakzai as Leader of Opposition

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday formally notified veteran Pashtun nationalist leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition, concluding several days of negotiations between the government and opposition benches.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the opposition party, the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), head Mehmood Khan Achakzai is set to participate in today’s session in his new capacity.

The appointment, which both sides agreed upon unanimously, fills a position that had remained vacant for five months following the disqualification of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed opposition leader Umar Ayub Khan. 

As per the channel report, consensus had already been reached earlier in the week, with Achakzai widely expected to assume the role during the National Assembly sitting scheduled for January 23.

Momentum toward a final decision increased when Speaker Ayaz Sadiq summoned senior opposition figures to his chamber during Tuesday’s parliamentary session to review the nomination and complete the necessary formalities. 

The meeting cleared the way for today’s notification, formalising Achakzai’s elevation to one of parliament’s most significant roles.

Earlier today, during the National Assembly session, Speaker Sadiq hinted that the long-awaited notification was imminent. Addressing PTI member Aamir Dogar on the floor of the house, he remarked, “Come to my chamber; I will issue the notification you have been waiting for.”

Following the Speaker’s remarks, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation led by party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Latif Khosa, and Aamir Dogar visited the Speaker’s Office to formally receive the notification. 

Speaking to reporters, Barrister Gohar said the Speaker had summoned them, adding, “We have come to collect the notification. This was our right, as the position of opposition leader has been vacant since August 7.”

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, both sides had already reached an understanding on the appointment, with Achakzai expected to assume the role during the National Assembly sitting convened on January 23. 

The process gained momentum when Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called the opposition leadership to his chamber during Tuesday’s session to review the nomination.

The meeting, which brought together Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, and Aamir Dogar, continued for almost an hour. 

Parliamentary sources said the government and the opposition agreed to put forward a single name, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, for the crucial constitutional position. 

The Speaker subsequently initiated the legal requirements necessary to issue an official notification.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed all objections to the nomination papers had been addressed and that the verification of signatures would be completed by the following day. 

He added that the announcement of the opposition leader was expected on Thursday and that their nominee would be formally in office by Friday’s sitting.

PTI leader Aamir Dogar confirmed that the opposition had unanimously endorsed Achakzai’s name, while Asad Qaiser urged that the process should not face any unnecessary delay.

With the notification issued today, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, a veteran parliamentarian and Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has now officially taken charge as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. 

Born on 14 December 1948, Achakzai is known for his longstanding advocacy of Pashtun rights and regional autonomy. 

He holds an engineering degree from the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, and was re-elected as Chairman of PkMAP during the party’s 7th National Congress held in December 2022. 

He has been serving as a member of the National Assembly since 29 February 2024.

Reporter: Usman Khan