Mehmood Achakzai appointed opposition leader after long delay in National Assembly
Pakistan
NA Speaker Sadiq announced Achakzai’s appointment as Leader of the Opposition and called PTI's Amir Dogar to his chamber to hand over the notification
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – After a long delay, the National Assembly has finally appointed an opposition leader, with NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq issuing a notification naming Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the post.
NA Speaker Sadiq announced Achakzai’s appointment as Leader of the Opposition and called PTI's Amir Dogar to his chamber to hand over the notification.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said there had been a two-day gap between sittings and that attendance was lower than usual, suggesting the Question Hour be postponed. Sadiq responded that there would be no Question Hour today and said that since members had worked hard, he would not postpone proceedings.
PTI chief Barrister Gohar said he had learned the day before yesterday that a single PTCL meeting pays $8,000. He added that the Speaker had earlier said the notification would be issued on Thursday. In response, the Speaker said he would send the House business to the committees, go to his chamber, and then issue the notification.
Barrister Gohar also remarked that in neighboring country India, assembly proceedings last at least six hours. Tariq Fazal again pointed out that attendance in the House was far below normal.
During the session, several bills were presented in the National Assembly, including the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Ordinance, Railways Transfer (Amendment) Ordinance, National Tariff Commission (Amendment) Bill, Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2026, Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Amendment Bill, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, Alternative Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Bill, and the Islamabad Capital Territory Property and Management Bill.
All these bills were presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Additionally, the Speaker barred 32 members from entering the House for failing to submit details of their assets to the Election Commission. He directed that members who had not submitted asset declarations should not be marked present, adding that any such member still inside the House should leave on their own, as the list was available for them to check their names.
