Imran Khan-nominated Mahmood Achakzai notified as NA opposition leader

The National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Friday notified Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakista (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the new opposition leader in the lower house, months after the key post was left vacant.

Achakzai, who also heads Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), was nominated for the top parliamentary post by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for NA opposition leader following the disqualification of his predecessor Omar Ayub after being sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in a May 9 case.

"In pursuance of rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NA, 2007, honourable speaker has been pleased to declare Mahmood Khan Achakzai, MNA, as Leader of the Opposition in NA with effect from January 16, 2026," reads the notification issued by NA acting Secretary Saeed Ahmad Maitla.

The notification was issued after an opposition lawmakers' delegation, including PTI's Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Junaid Akbar, Aamir Dogar, Shahram Khan Tarakai, Latif Khosa and Jamal Ahsan Khan met NA Speaker Sadiq in his chamber.

Reacting to the development, PTI leader Ayub extended "heartiest contratuations" to Achakzai on being notified as NA opposition leader.

"It is a great singular honour and [...] Ackhakzai sahib will InshahAllah fulfil his responsibilities brilliantly," Ayub said in a post on X.

Achakzai's appointment holds significance as he has called for a national dialogue among all political parties to steer the country out of crisis.

The PTI leaders also have repeatedly said that the mandate to hold dialogue with the ruling coalition vests with TTAP's Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

This is a developing story and is being updated with more detail.