US EditionMehmood Khan Achakzai: New Leader of Opposition in Pakistan
Mahmood Khan Achakzai fills a key opposition role after predecessor's 10-year sentence, gaining authority to negotiate on behalf of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, officials said.
- On January 16, 2026, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq notified Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the new opposition leader in the lower house under Rule 39.
- Imran Khan nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who leads Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, following Omar Ayub's disqualification and 10-year sentence in a May 9 case.
- The notification followed a meeting that included Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and others, and senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Imran authorised Achakzai to negotiate with the government.
- The move fills an opposition vacancy that had persisted for months, and PTI leader Ayub congratulated Mahmood Khan Achakzai, noting his calls for a national dialogue to resolve the crisis.
- Against a backdrop of recurring clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, PTI founder Imran Khan and senior leaders face legal trouble over May 9 incidents, while Rana Sanaullah urged trust-building among the country's top five leaders.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Imran Khan-nominated Mahmood Achakzai notified as NA opposition leader
Opposition delegation meets NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.Achakzai's appointment has immediate effect: notification.Shah Mehmood Qureshi says Achakzai authorised to negotiate.ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Friday notified...
NA opposition leader appointment in final stage
The process for the appointment of the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly reached its final phase on Thursday, with the verification of opposition lawmakers' signatures completed and the National Assembly Secretariat preparing the formal summary for approval. The secretariat has forwarded the summary to the speaker's office. The NA speaker will sign the summary after consultation with Special Secretary Law Mushtaq Ahmed. All proce…
Mahmood Khan Achakzai Appointed Pakistan’s New Opposition Leader
Pakistan’s National Assembly has officially named Mahmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader. Pakistan’s National Assembly has formally appointed veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the country’s new leader of the opposition, filling a post that had remained vacant for several months. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced the appointment on Friday, after jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party nominated Achakzai f…
Opposition leader at last but delays raise serious questions
After months of uncertainty and unwanted delayed, the National Assembly has finally got a leader of the opposition. The appointment of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai to the post is a welcome step for the functioning of parliament. A legislature without a recognised opposition leader cannot work properly. This undue gap had weakened debate, oversight and democratic balance. The opposition had unanimously nominated Achak…
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