ISLAMABAD ( The COW News Digital) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed on Monday that formal nomination papers for both leaders will be submitted to the National Assembly and Senate secretariats on Tuesday. The decision came after a joint meeting of PTI’s parliamentary parties from both houses, where the nominations received unanimous approval.
Barrister Gohar said that Achakzai’s appointment as the opposition leader in the lower house reflects PTI’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy and ensuring effective representation of opposition voices. He also emphasized that Allama Raja Nasir Abbas’s selection in the Senate underscores efforts to build a broad-based alliance within the opposition to counterbalance government policies.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who heads the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has been an influential political figure known for his strong stance on constitutionalism, federalism, and provincial rights. His nomination is seen as a strategic move to bring together various opposition groups under a unified parliamentary framework.
In the upper house, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the head of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), is recognized for his vocal advocacy of inter-sectarian harmony and social justice. His appointment signals an effort by PTI to project inclusivity and unity across diverse political and religious factions.
Party insiders say the move aims to rebuild PTI’s political strength after months of internal challenges and government pressure. The formation of a consolidated opposition front, according to analysts, could inject renewed vigor into parliamentary proceedings and pose a more coordinated challenge to the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, sources within the opposition alliance revealed that discussions are ongoing to formulate a joint parliamentary strategy focusing on economic accountability, governance reforms, and civil liberties.
Barrister Gohar expressed confidence that both leaders will “represent the aspirations of the people and ensure that opposition benches play a constructive yet assertive role” in national politics. The formal recognition of both opposition leaders is expected once their nominations are verified by the respective secretariats on Tuesday.
