Mahmood Khan Achakzai Formally Appointed Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly

Islamabad: Mahmood Khan Achakzai has formally assumed office as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly following the issuance of a notification by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The appointment took effect from January 16, 2026, in accordance with parliamentary rules.

The position had remained vacant after the disqualification of Omar Ayub Khan in connection with the May 9 case. Achakzai, head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and a senior leader of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan, was nominated by PTI founder Imran Khan.

During the same parliamentary session, multiple legislative bills were introduced, covering railways, telecommunications, education, tariffs, exports, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The speaker also enforced accountability measures against lawmakers who failed to submit asset declarations.

As a result, 32 National Assembly members were barred from entering the house until compliance. The move underscored Parliament’s commitment to transparency and adherence to election and financial disclosure laws.