ISLAMABAD: The Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday concluded the consultation process for the new opposition leader, with all eyes now on Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who is widely expected to assume the top opposition position as early as Thursday.
Unless a last-minute political storm erupts, Achakzai, who has quickly emerged as the sole candidate, is set to take charge as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.
What was once considered a mere formality has now become one of the most eagerly anticipated political decisions of the week.
The opposition leader’s post has remained vacant since August of last year, following the disqualification of Omar Ayub due to his conviction related to the May 9 riots.
According to sources within the National Assembly Secretariat, the scrutiny of Achakzai’s candidacy unfolded behind closed doors in the Speaker’s chamber, with senior officials, including the National Assembly Secretary and the Special Secretary for Law, overseeing the process.
The verification process, which in the past was merely a formality, has now been completed after months of delays, with sources suggesting that the final decision on Achakzai’s appointment could be announced as soon as Thursday (today), or by Friday at the latest.
Talking to reporters, Malik Aamir Dogar, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief whip, expressed optimism that there would be no further unnecessary delays, confidently stating that the process was now complete and a decision was imminent.
“The formalities have been completed,” he said with a confident smile. “Achakzai will be our leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.”
With PTI’s endorsement, the nomination looks set to sail through – unless an unexpected twist disrupts the proceedings.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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