The Leader of the Opposition process advanced in Islamabad with Mahmood Khan Achakzai emerging unopposed.
The Leader of the Opposition position is central to parliamentary oversight and legislative balance.
Nomination Process Concludes
The deadline for submitting nomination papers closed on Tuesday afternoon.
No rival candidate entered the race before the cut-off time.
This left Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the sole nominee for Leader of the Opposition.
Achakzai leads the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and heads the TTAP alliance.
Support from Opposition Lawmakers
Independent lawmakers aligned with PTI endorsed the nomination documents.
According to officials, 78 opposition members signed the papers.
The signatures were submitted to the Speaker’s Office earlier this week.
This majority support meets constitutional requirements for the Leader of the Opposition role.
Verification and Notification
Verification of signatures is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Parliamentary staff will complete the scrutiny within one working day.
After verification, the formal notification will be issued by the Speaker.
The announcement is expected before the next National Assembly session.
Speaker’s Role and Rules
The Speaker initiated the appointment process under Rule 39.
Rule 39 defines the method for selecting the Leader of the Opposition.
It requires confidence from the majority of opposition members.
The rule is part of the 2007 Assembly Procedures.
Political Consultations
A PTI delegation met the Speaker to discuss procedural concerns.
The meeting was attended by Barrister Gohar alongside senior parliamentarians Asad Qaiser and Malik Amir Dogar.
They described the meeting as constructive and outcome-oriented.
No negotiations beyond the appointment were discussed.
Parliamentary Impact
The National Assembly will have a confirmed Leader of the Opposition by Friday.
This development strengthens parliamentary checks and debate.
Observers describe the process as historic for opposition unity.
Many lawmakers express hope for smoother legislative proceedings.
The Leader of the Opposition will play a key role in upcoming sessions.
