Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), has been officially appointed as the new Opposition Leader in the National Assembly. The announcement was made following the formal issuance of a notification by the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The appointment marks a key shift in the opposition’s dynamics in the assembly. Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, confirmed that the notification of Achakzai’s appointment would be finalised today, adding that the decision follows a process of internal consultations.
Interestingly, Achakzai’s selection as opposition leader came after no other candidates submitted nomination papers for the role. Independent members, notably those supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), threw their weight behind Achakzai’s candidacy, ensuring his nomination sailed through without opposition.
In the midst of this, Rana Sanaullah remarked on the political dynamics involving PTI, suggesting that the party’s internal divisions were a legacy of its founder. “When the founder of PTI was in government, he refused to sit with the opposition, and now, even in opposition, he refuses to sit with the government,” Sanaullah stated, reflecting the ongoing tensions within the political landscape.
Achakzai, a veteran politician with years of experience in Pakistan’s political arena, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the PTI. In a recent address to a gathering of lawyers at the Lahore Bar presidential candidate’s camp, he criticized the lack of discipline within PTI, noting that while the party boasts numerous self-proclaimed leaders, it fails to provide proper leadership. “There is a leader for every 100 servants,” he quipped, underscoring his discontent with the party’s internal structure.
Despite his criticism, Achakzai reitrated his commitment to supporting the PTI during difficult times, clarifying that his alliance was not driven by the pursuit of positions. “We have always been told to stand with the oppressed, and we are heirs to the movements in Pakistan,” he said. His speech also alluded to the importance of dialogue, asserting that political conflicts could be resolved through negotiations if parties are willing to acknowledge their mistakes.
Achakzai’s appointment as opposition leader has been seen as a crucial moment for the opposition alliance, which has remained active in advocating for the welfare and justice of the Pakistani people. The alliance has been working diligently on the political front to push for reforms and raise issues that matter to the public, positioning themselves as an alternative to the ruling government.
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