National Assembly Speaker issues notification, formally recognizes Achakzai as opposition leader
Islamabad: Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan (TTAP), has been officially appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, following the issuance of a formal notification by the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The notification, confirmed during a session presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was sent to the President and Prime Minister secretariats, along with the Cabinet Division and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, ensuring official recognition across government departments.
At the start of the National Assembly session, the Speaker informed members that no question hour would be held. Chief Whip of the opposition was called to the Speaker’s chamber to receive and formalize the notification. Subsequently, Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s appointment as opposition leader was publicly announced.
During the session, several key legislative bills were also presented by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar, including:
- Pakistan Nursing Council Ordinance
- Export Development Fund Amendment Bill 2026
- Imports and Exports Act Amendment Bill
- Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Amendment Bill
- Life Insurance Nationalization Amendment Bill
Additional bills presented included amendments to the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan, Federal Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and legislation concerning Islamabad Capital Territory ownership and administration.
Following the announcement, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation led by Barrister Gohar visited the Speaker’s office to receive the official notification. Barrister Gohar congratulated Achakzai, emphasizing that the opposition leader’s position had been vacant since August 7, and the appointment fulfills a long-pending parliamentary requirement.
The National Assembly Secretariat has forwarded the gazette notification to the Printing Corporation for official publication. The gazette notification is being sent to 15 government offices, including the Senate Secretariat and related National Assembly departments, ensuring full compliance with parliamentary protocol.
Achakzai’s appointment marks a significant step in Pakistan’s parliamentary process, strengthening opposition representation and ensuring legislative balance. Analysts note that this appointment will play a pivotal role in shaping debates and scrutiny of government policies in the upcoming assembly sessions.
