Imran Khan-nominated Mahmood Achakzai notified as National Assembly opposition leader

January 16, 2026 – Islamabad: The National Assembly has a new opposition leader. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), has been officially notified by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to take charge as the Leader of the Opposition in the lower house.

The key post had been vacant for months following the disqualification of Omar Ayub, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in a case related to May 9 events.

PTI Founder Imran Khan’s Nomination

Mahmood Achakzai, who also leads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), was nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for the opposition leader position. The nomination comes as PTI continues to consolidate its influence in the National Assembly following recent political upheavals.

The official notification, issued by NA acting Secretary Saeed Ahmad Maitla, stated: “In pursuance of rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in NA, 2007, honourable speaker has been pleased to declare Mahmood Khan Achakzai, MNA, as Leader of the Opposition in NA with effect from January 16, 2026.”

Opposition Lawmakers Meet NA Speaker

The notification was issued after a delegation of opposition lawmakers met Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in his chamber. The delegation included prominent PTI members like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Junaid Akbar, Aamir Dogar, Shahram Khan Tarakai, Latif Khosa, and Jamal Ahsan Khan.

Following the announcement, PTI leader Omar Ayub congratulated Achakzai on social media, writing: “Heartiest congratulations to Achakzai Sahib on being notified as NA opposition leader. InshahAllah, he will fulfil his responsibilities brilliantly.”

Mahmood Achakzai’s Political Profile

Mahmood Achakzai is a veteran politician from Balochistan and a strong advocate for constitutional protection and Pashtun rights. His appointment as opposition leader marks a significant step in Pakistan’s parliamentary politics as he takes the helm of the lower house’s opposition bench.