Web Desk, Pakistan – The appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition, reportedly nominated by former prime minister Imran Khan, has been challenged in the Federal Constitutional Court.
The constitutional petition was filed by Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, counsel for PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar. The petitioner argued that Achakzai’s appointment violates constitutional provisions, statutory requirements and democratic norms.
According to the plea, the process did not fulfill the legal requirements under Rule 39(3), which governs the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition. It contends that the mandatory independent verification of National Assembly members’ signatures and free consent was not properly conducted.
The petition further argues that under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, an ineligible individual cannot directly or indirectly influence the political process. The court has been requested to direct the Speaker to initiate a fresh process for appointing the opposition leader in accordance with Rule 39(3).
The petitioner also sought an interim order restraining Achakzai from participating in constitutional proceedings as Leader of the Opposition until a final verdict is issued.
The court is expected to take up the petition for preliminary hearing in the coming days.
