ISLAMABAD: After months of delay, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), was formally appointed leader of the opposition in the National Assembly on Friday.
Read More: Achakzai set to become NA opposition leader this week, says PTI
The notification, seen by Dawn, confirmed that Achakzai’s tenure as opposition leader takes effect from January 16, 2026. The appointment follows a prolonged wait after incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan had nominated Achakzai for the role in August 2025.
Heartiest congratulations to Mahmud Khan Achakzai sahib who has been officially declared as the ‘Leader of the Opposition National Assembly’.
It is a great singular honour and Mahmud Khan Ackhakzai sahib will InshahAllah fulfill his responsibilities brilliantly. @PTIofficial— Omar Ayub Khan (@OmarAyubKhan) January 16, 2026
Prior to the official announcement, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq summoned PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Chief Whip Amir Dogar to his chamber, where the notification was handed over. Gohar said the notification had been delayed for unspecified reasons but was finally issued on Friday.
The opposition leader’s position had remained vacant for nearly five months, since the disqualification of PTI’s Omar Ayub in August 2025. Achakzai’s nomination had been submitted multiple times, including in October 2025 and again in January 2026, as part of PTI’s efforts to comply with parliamentary rules.
Honourable Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has been pleased to declare Mr. Mehmood Khan Achakzai, MNA as Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly. #NASession @AyazSadiq122 @PTVNewsOfficial @RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/ocTQYdxhdY
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) January 16, 2026
Rule 39 of the National Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2007, stipulates that the speaker has the sole prerogative to request a name for the opposition leader’s post. The process had been delayed reportedly due to pending legal matters related to Ayub, though he later withdrew petitions challenging his disqualification.
Following the submission of required documents by PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar in early January, the NA speaker initiated the constitutional process afresh, culminating in Achakzai’s appointment.
Read More: NA speaker launches long-delayed opposition leader process
Achakzai, who also heads the opposition alliance TTAP, now assumes a key role in leading the opposition’s parliamentary strategy and holding the government accountable in the lower house.