Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani appointed PTI-backed Raja Nasir Abbas as opposition leader in the Senate. The Senate Secretariat issued the notification after reviewing Senate rules and laws. The position was vacant following the disqualification of former opposition leader Shibli Faraz.
Meanwhile, several senators congratulated Abbas on his appointment in the upper house. According to Aaj News, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and Tariq Fazal offered congratulations. Supporters also raised slogans in favor of former prime minister Imran Khan.
سینیٹر علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس نے سینیٹ آف پاکستان میں اپوزیشن لیڈر کی نشست سنبھال لی pic.twitter.com/nMklfEbvrK
— Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) January 20, 2026
Read more: Treasury, opposition agree on Nasir Abbas as Senate
After taking the floor, Abbas declared his loyalty to Imran Khan before the Senate. He said Imran Khan made him a senator and shaped his political career. He pledged to protect the Constitution and refused any compromise on principles.
سیاسی بحران کے خاتمے کا ایک ہی حل ہے کہ عمران خان کو رہا کیا جائے،
اپوزیشن لیڈر سینیٹ علامہ راجہ ناصر عباس
pic.twitter.com/fRv2B7g92H— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 20, 2026
Furthermore, Abbas said Imran Khan’s release is the only solution to end the political crisis. He claimed courts have not scheduled Khan’s petitions for hearings over the past year. He rejected claims that legal cases against Khan are progressing.
Read more: Achakzai notified as opposition leader after much ado
Earlier, the National Assembly appointed Mehmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader. Finally, Imran Khan nominated both Achakzai and Abbas for opposition roles last August.