PTI-supported Raja Nasir Abbas appointed Senate opposition leader

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani has notified Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) leader and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as the leader of the opposition in the Senate.

Aaj News cited sources as saying that Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and Tariq Fazal congratulated Abbas on becoming the opposition leader in the Senate, amid chants of “long live Imran Khan”. Other senators also congratulated him on his appointment.

READ MORE: Achakzai becomes opposition leader in NA

The Senate Secretariat has issued the notification, signed by the acting secretary Senate, for the appointment of the leader of the opposition. A copy of the notification has also been sent to Abbas and the members of the Senate.

This decision was made after a thorough review of the Senate rules and laws. The position of the opposition leader was left vacant after Shibli Faraz’s disqualification.

“I want to clarify that I am a loyal companion of Imran Khan. It was Imran Khan who made me a Senator. I will never compromise on principles, nor will I be part of any violation of the Constitution. I will certainly do everything in my power for the protection and security of Pakistan,” the newly-appointed opposition leader said addressing the upper house.

The only solution to end the political crisis is that jailed former prime minister Imran be released, he said.

He stated the law minister was stating in the Senate chairman’s chamber that cases against Imran are proceeding; however, the cases are not proceeding, and for the past year, his petitions are not being scheduled for hearing.

READ MORE: Gilani to notify Raja as Senate opposition leader

It is worth noting that previously, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had appointed Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the opposition leader in the National Assembly.

Achakzai and Abbas were nominated by Imran for the role of opposition leaders last year in August.