Achakzai formalizes his nomination after the opposition submits a unanimous nomination; the position has remained vacant since August 7
A photo of TTAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has been officially appointed Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan, ending a post vacant since August 7.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf representatives Barrister Gohar and Opposition Chief Whip Aamir Dogar to his chamber to collect the official notification.
“It was our right,” Gohar said, pointing to the prolonged absence of a designated opposition leader. The President confirmed Achakzai’s appointment, formalizing the position in accordance with parliamentary procedures.
No other candidates filed nomination papers, leaving Achakzai – who also leads the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin Pakistan (TTAP) – as the only candidate after the deadline for submitting nominations closed on Tuesday. Independent lawmakers backed by the PTI have submitted their nomination papers in its favor. The verification of signatures on the nomination papers took place on Wednesday.
Read: Achakzai set to become opposition leader as NA nominations close
The development follows a letter sent earlier today by PTI Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The letter said the majority of the opposition unanimously nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai as leader.
He stressed that in democratic traditions, the opposition has the right to elect its leader and urged the President to immediately issue the notification in accordance with Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of the National Assembly, 2007.
Rule 39 of the Rules states that the leader of the opposition must be chosen from among the opposition members who enjoy the confidence of the majority of opposition legislators.
Learn more: President launches process to nominate opposition leader
Earlier, a PTI delegation concluded a meeting with the National Assembly Speaker. The delegation included lawyer Gohar, Asad Qaiser and Malik Amir Dogar, who described the talks as constructive.
“We have addressed all concerns and there are no objections regarding the applications submitted,” attorney Gohar said. He added that the verification of signatures would be completed by Wednesday and the opposition leader would be formally announced thereafter.
He also said the National Assembly would have its own opposition leader in Friday’s session, noting that no other nominations had been submitted. “There has been no discussion within the President’s office regarding negotiations,” he added.
President Ayaz Sadiq on Monday launched the process of nominating the opposition leader in accordance with parliamentary rules, ordering opposition lawmakers to submit their nominations by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
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He had also asked the opposition parties to resubmit a signed list of their members to the president’s office after setting a new date for the process.
Speaking on a point of order in the House, PTI Opposition Leader Malik Amir Dogar said 76 opposition members have already signed documents appointing Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Opposition Leader and submitted them to the President’s office. He said the opposition would resubmit the list as per the President’s directive, while again demanding immediate issuance of the notification.
