Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Senator Raja Nasir Abbas, head of the Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), has been formally appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, marking a significant political development in the upper house of parliament.
The Senate Secretariat issued the official notification on the appointment after confirmation by Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, who stated that Raja Nasir Abbas secured the backing of 22 out of 32 opposition senators, fulfilling the constitutional and procedural requirements under Senate rules.
Chairman Senate clarified that the notification process experienced a delay due to ongoing judicial procedures, but emphasized that all legal formalities have now been completed in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Senate.
Government Reaction and Political Context
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar welcomed the appointment, calling it an important step toward strengthening parliamentary processes and ensuring effective opposition representation in the Senate.
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The development comes shortly after a similar move in the National Assembly, where the Assembly Secretariat last week notified PTI-backed Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition following a prolonged delay. The notification was issued under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, with effect from January 16, 2026, after approval by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq formally handed over the notification to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and senior party leader Amir Dogar. During the National Assembly session, the Speaker stressed the need for cooperation among political parties to enhance legislative performance and announced plans for broader consultations on parliamentary affairs.
Background to the Opposition Leadership Changes
The reshuffle in opposition leadership followed the disqualification of former Opposition Leader Umar Ayub from his National Assembly seat. PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan had proposed Mehmood Khan Achakzai for the role, citing his seniority and leadership in the constitutional restoration movement.
With Raja Nasir Abbas now assuming the role of Opposition Leader in the Senate, PTI-backed opposition forces are expected to play a more coordinated role across both houses of parliament, potentially reshaping legislative debates and political dynamics in the coming sessions.
