Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomes Achakzai, calls him a reliable partner and supports dialogue on key policy issues
Mahmood Khan Achakzai delivers his first speech in the National Assembly as leader of the opposition on January 19, 2026.
ISLAMABAD:
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly (NA), Mahmood Khan Achakzai, offered unconditional support to the government for initiatives to strengthen democracy, Parliament and the Constitution in his maiden speech in office on Monday, while also calling for Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s visits to Pakistan.
Pashtunkhwa party leader Milli Awami was officially named NA opposition leader last week, filling a position that had remained vacant since August 7. NA Chairman Ayaz Sadiq summoned PTI Chairman’s lawyer Gohar Ali Khan and Opposition Chief Whip Aamir Dogar to his chamber to issue the official notification.
In his speech, Achakzai emphasized that the House should be the real center of power. “The emphasis must be on the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution, with internal, external and economic policies formulated within parliamentary frameworks,” he said.
He also called for the immediate start of a dialogue between the government and opposition parties, urging authorities to facilitate meetings with Imran, adding that he and the opposition were ready to take responsibility for starting negotiations with the PTI and other opposition parties.
Achakzai stressed the importance of ethical governance, citing that Islamic principles prohibit supporting wrongdoing. “We aim to make this assembly a source of power. We must maintain honorable conduct and protect the sanctity of our homes and families,” he added.
He urged that the constructive initiatives of the Assembly, including policies on domestic, foreign and economic issues, receive full support. “Our votes are available for positive legislation. We should not engage in discussions or actions that we cannot justify to our families,” he said.
Highlighting his independent political record, Achakzai said he had supported the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in difficult times, but never compromised his principles for personal gain. “I have always respected the principles in which I believe and I have never violated my oath,” he noted.
Achakzai also offered his full support for the opposition votes in the assembly, provided that an environment conducive to dialogue is created. He stressed the need to reduce political tensions, release political prisoners and encourage parties such as the PPP to re-engage in parliamentary politics according to the principles of democracy and respecting the sanctity of the ballot.
On regional security and stability, Achakzai noted that Pakistan faces significant challenges.
“Our army and police are strong and no one can kidnap citizens with impunity. We must have confidence in our people,” he said. He warned that the region was under threat from outside powers seeking to turn it into a battleground, adding that past counterterrorism operations had led to the displacement of thousands of people.
Reiterating his commitment to non-violence, Achakzai said: “I advocate a peaceful resolution and will continue to do so. Former Fata contributed significantly to national security, and local people must retain primary authority in their areas.”
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed Achakzai’s appointment, describing him as a reliable partner in difficult times.
“We appreciate the points raised by Achakzai regarding dialogue,” he said, adding that the government remained ready to discuss political issues, including issues in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PPP leader Ijaz Jakhrani also welcomed Achakzai’s speech, highlighting the historically strong democratic and political relationship between the opposition leader and the party. Jakhrani called for negotiations between political parties to resolve pressing issues within the parliamentary framework.
