ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly Secretariat has responded to MP Amir Dogar’s letter regarding the nomination of the opposition leader, stating that no proposal or recommendation can be considered until the President officially announces the timetable.
According to a spokesperson, the response refers to Articles 39 and 39-B of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, which provide for the complete process of submission of candidatures and declaration of the Leader of the Opposition.
Under Article 39(2), the President is responsible for announcing the date, time and place where members of the National Assembly may submit duly signed proposals. The spokesperson added that parliamentary tradition requires the announcement to be made in the House, ensuring all MPs have an equal chance to nominate a candidate.
As the speaker has not yet made this announcement, no request or proposal can be taken into account at this stage. The Secretariat will only proceed after the official declaration has been made in accordance with the rules of procedure.
The response also refers to the recent order of the Constitutional Court of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated October 29, 2025, in the plea of Omer Ayub. The court set aside the sine die adjournment of the writ petitions by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) and directed the High Court to determine their continuance and dispose of them accordingly.
The spokesperson confirmed that the matter regarding the disqualification of former Opposition Leader Omar Ayub is still pending before the PHC and any process of appointing the Opposition Leader will only be carried out after legal clarity and an official announcement from the President.
