Overview
- Speaker Ayaz Sadiq declared Achakzai leader of the opposition under Rule 39 with effect from January 16, 2026, according to the National Assembly notification.
- Achakzai, who heads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, was the sole nominee after PTI and allied lawmakers filed his papers earlier in the week.
- Geo News reports that PTI founder Imran Khan proposed Achakzai’s name, and an opposition delegation met the speaker before the notification was issued.
- Prime minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah said the appointment should encourage the opposition to rejoin standing committees through dialogue in parliament.
- PTI leader and former opposition leader Omar Ayub publicly congratulated Achakzai and voiced confidence in his ability to fulfill the role.