Opposition leader nominee in National Assembly announced as Mahmood Achakzai, chosen by Imran Khan
Mahmood Khan Achakzai Becomes Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a seasoned Pakistani politician and leader of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has been nominated as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan. This nomination comes from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), marking Achakzai's elevation as a key opposition figure in the parliament.
Achakzai, who comes from a legacy of political activism and resistance, has been active since the 1970s. He has been involved in various movements, including the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy during General Zia’s martial law and has consistently championed parliamentary supremacy.
His nomination as Leader of the Opposition was officially recognised after Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, put forward his name. This nomination is part of opposition alliance politics, where Achakzai is also the head of the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), an opposition alliance.
Achakzai's political journey includes boycotting elections in 2008 on principle, winning significant mandates in Balochistan in multiple elections (2013, 2018, and 2024), and standing firmly for democratic processes against evolving political challenges in Pakistan. He continues to emphasize democracy, dialogue, and the sanctity of the vote in Pakistan’s national politics.
Meanwhile, former opposition leader Omar Ayub lost his seat due to his conviction in the May 9 cases by an anti-terrorism court. The Election Commission of Pakistan issued disqualification notifications for Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz following the court order. Both politicians have challenged their disqualification before the Peshawar High Court. As a result of his disqualification, Omar Ayub was removed from the Public Accounts Committee and all standing committees of the National Assembly.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed Imran Khan's finalization of Achakzai’s nomination. Shibli Faraz, who was the opposition leader in the Senate before his disqualification, has not been replaced yet. Azam Khan Swati has been nominated as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate by PTI. Mahmood Khan Achakzai is also the head of the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz.
[1] Khan, M. K. (n.d.). Mahmood Khan Achakzai: A Life of Political Activism. Retrieved from www.pkmap.org
[2] The News International. (2025, March 1). PTI nominates Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Retrieved from www.thenews.com.pk
[3] Dawn. (2025, March 1). Mahmood Khan Achakzai takes oath as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Retrieved from www.dawn.com
[4] Geo News. (2025, March 1). Imran Khan announces Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Retrieved from www.geo.tv
[5] The Express Tribune. (2025, March 1). Mahmood Khan Achakzai sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Retrieved from tribune.com.pk
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