‘Opposition leader’s appointment’: Chief Whip Dogar calls on NA speaker

ISLAMABAD: Chief Whip of the National Assembly, Amir Dogar, on Monday called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to deliberate on key developments concerning the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition in the lower house of Parliament.

During the meeting, Amir Dogar submitted relevant documents pertaining to the withdrawal of court cases linked to former Opposition Leader Umar Ayub. He maintained that, in light of the changed circumstances, Mahmood Khan Achakzai should be appointed as the new Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.

The Chief Whip underscored the need for an expeditious and transparent resolution of the matter to ensure the smooth functioning of parliamentary business and effective representation of the opposition benches.

Responding to the submission, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed his commitment to uphold parliamentary norms, stressing that all proceedings would be carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the established rules of the National Assembly.

“The rules governing the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition are clear and unambiguous,” the Speaker said, adding that the entire process would be initiated afresh. He further assured that the House would be formally informed of the developments during the upcoming session of the National Assembly.

The Speaker’s remarks signal a cautious and procedural approach, aimed at ensuring institutional integrity and avoiding any legal or constitutional complications in the appointment of the Opposition Leader.

The vacancy for the Leader of the Opposition vacant after the previous officeholder, Umar Ayub, was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) due to his conviction in May 9 riots cases. PTI founder Imran Khan subsequently nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the position.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026