Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai has been appointed as the new opposition leader in Pakistan’s National Assembly, ending a prolonged vacancy.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, was declared opposition leader in the National Assembly on Friday, January 16, 2026. The appointment followed a nomination by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and a notification from Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. It fills a post vacant since August 2025.
The Achakzai opposition leader appointment holds significance for Pakistan’s political landscape. It bolsters the opposition alliance amid ongoing tensions with the government, potentially influencing parliamentary debates and policy oversight in a region where stable governance affects South Asian security and economic ties.
PTI Achakzai Nomination Process
The PTI Achakzai nomination marked the second formal submission for Mehmood Khan Achakzai as National Assembly opposition leader. Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan first named Achakzai for the role in August 2025, shortly after the disqualification of previous opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan in a case related to May 9 events.
On January 13, 2026, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed the submission of nomination papers to the National Assembly speaker. The papers, signed by opposition members, stated: “We, the undersigned members of the National Assembly belonging to the opposition benches, have the honour to nominate Mehmood Khan Achakzai MNA (NA-266) for appointment as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan.”
No other candidates filed nominations by the deadline, making Achakzai the unanimous choice. The process adhered to Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, which grants the speaker authority to request and approve such appointments.
Speaker Sadiq initiated the fresh process on January 6, 2026, during a National Assembly session. He sought proposals after resolving prior legal hurdles, including Ayub’s withdrawn court petitions against his disqualification.
Official Notification and Reactions
The National Assembly secretariat issued the notification on January 16, 2026. It read: “Honourable Speaker has been pleased to declare Mr Mehmood Khan Achakzai, member of the National Assembly, as leader of the opposition in the NA, with effect from January 16, 2025.” Sources indicate the date may contain a typographical error, intended as 2026.
PTI leaders welcomed the move but highlighted the delay. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told media: “The notification was supposed to be issued yesterday; however, it was not due to some issues. Today, it has been issued finally. Although it was our right and we got it today after a long delay.”
The opposition had accused the government of stalling the Achakzai opposition leader appointment. The speaker previously described the matter as sub judice due to ongoing litigation. A December 2025 letter from the secretariat to PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar requested details on Ayub’s cases, which were provided on January 5, 2026.
Mehmood Khan Achakzai, representing NA-266 (Killa Abdullah-cum-Chaman) from Balochistan, now holds the position. His profile on the official National Assembly website confirms his status as leader of the opposition, with oath-taking dated February 29, 2024.
Background
Mehmood Khan Achakzai leads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and heads the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan alliance, comprising opposition parties. The National Assembly opposition role became vacant on August 7, 2025, following Ayub’s disqualification.
The PTI Achakzai nomination in October 2025 was submitted to the speaker’s office but not directly to him, prompting the need for a restart. Seventy-four opposition members backed the initial proposal.
This delay occurred against a backdrop of political unrest in Pakistan, including PTI protests and legal challenges. The Achakzai opposition leader role empowers him to lead debates, appoint committee members, and scrutinise government actions.
Data from the National Assembly shows the opposition benches hold around 100 seats, with PTI as the largest group despite independents aligning post-elections. Achakzai’s appointment unifies these voices under one leader.
Impact on National Assembly Opposition
The Mehmood Khan Achakzai appointment strengthens the National Assembly opposition at a critical time. Pakistan faces economic challenges, with inflation at 9.6 per cent in December 2025, per State Bank data, and security issues in border regions.
Achakzai, a veteran politician, has advocated for constitutional supremacy. His leadership could intensify oversight on bills, such as recent amendments to election laws.
Opposition alliances like Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan have criticised government policies on governance and rights. The Achakzai opposition leader position provides a platform to address these in parliamentary sessions.
Parliamentary sources note the government and opposition agreed on a single nominee, avoiding contests. This consensus reflects pragmatic politics amid national divisions.
What’s Next
Future sessions may see Mehmood Khan Achakzai leading National Assembly opposition efforts on key issues, including budget reviews and foreign policy. The next sitting is scheduled for late January 2026.
Observers expect debates on judicial reforms and economic packages. Achakzai’s role could influence alliances ahead of potential by-elections.
The Achakzai opposition leader appointment concludes a chapter of uncertainty, paving the way for robust parliamentary engagement.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 16th, 2026
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