The process for appointing a new opposition leader in the National Assembly has been completed, with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq granting approval for Mahmood Achakzai to assume the role.
According to parliamentary sources, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has formally approved Mahmood Achakzai’s appointment as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly. The speaker also signed the official summary, completing all procedural requirements.
Sources confirmed that with the signing of the summary, the appointment stage has now been finalized.
The appointment was notified with the approval of the speaker. The official notification, dated January 16, was handed over to opposition members by the speaker in his chamber. The appointment has been made in accordance with Rule 39 of the Rules of Business.
Earlier, the speaker summoned PTI leaders Barrister Gohar and Aamir Dogar to his chamber. During the meeting, the speaker told them he had to hand over the formal notification for the opposition leader. The directive was part of the final steps required to complete the appointment process.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that the notification for the opposition leader must now be issued without delay.
Completion of key parliamentary milestone
Sources reiterated that the stage of appointing the opposition leader in the National Assembly of Pakistan has been successfully completed. The development is seen as an important step toward restoring full parliamentary functioning and balance in the house.
Also Read: Objections removed, opp leader to be announced on Thursday: Gohar
Earlier on Jan 13, the process for appointing the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly moved closer to resolution as senior PTI leaders held talks with Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in his chamber. A PTI delegation led by Barrister Gohar went to the speaker’s office to discuss the long-pending nomination. The speaker had also invited Asad Qaiser and Malik Aamir Dogar to the meeting.
Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was also present in the Speaker’s Chamber during the discussions.
Single, united nomination
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Whip Aamir Dogar said there was no grouping within the PTI regarding the opposition leadership. He clarified that only one set of nomination papers had been submitted and confirmed that they were filed in the name of Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
“Our opposition leader is Mahmood Khan Achakzai,” Dogar stated, adding that no rival candidate had submitted nomination papers.
Assurances and objections
Former speaker Asad Qaiser said all constitutional and procedural requirements had been fulfilled. “I myself have been the speaker. I hope there will be no further delay in the appointment of the opposition leader,” he told the meeting.
After the talks, Barrister Gohar said the meeting took place in a positive and cordial atmosphere. He added that all objections raised earlier had been resolved and that there were no longer any objections to the nomination papers.
