The National Assembly Secretariat has officially notified Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a prominent Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and senior parliamentarian, as the Leader of the Opposition in the lower house of parliament.
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The notification, issued on January 16, 2026, under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, was approved by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and took immediate effect.
Achakzai, who heads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and leads the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), assumes this key constitutional role after months of vacancy following the disqualification of the previous holder, PTI’s Omar Ayub, in August 2025.
End to Prolonged Vacancy and Political Negotiations The position had remained unfilled for nearly five months amid shifting parliamentary dynamics and opposition coordination. Achakzai’s nomination was backed by a significant number of opposition members—reportedly 76 signatures—and formally proposed by PTI founder Imran Khan, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirming the submission of papers.
After verification and no competing nominations, the Speaker finalized the appointment following recent meetings with opposition representatives. This development resolves ongoing discussions in political circles and restores structured parliamentary oversight from the opposition benches.
Significance for Opposition Role and Democratic Oversight As Leader of the Opposition, Achakzai will play a pivotal constitutional function, including consultation on major state appointments, leading parliamentary debates, and ensuring government accountability.
Known for advocating democratic rights, constitutionalism, and federalism, his leadership is expected to strengthen opposition unity within the TTAP alliance, which includes PTI and other groups.
The appointment comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s political landscape, potentially enhancing checks and balances in the National Assembly while fostering greater engagement on national issues. It marks a milestone for smaller parties like PkMAP in securing influential roles at the federal level.