ISLAMABAD: PTI founder Imran Khan on Wednesday nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, and party veteran Azam Swati as the opposition leader in the Senate.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the nominations, adding that Mr. Khan had conveyed the decision from Adiala Jail through party lawyer Ali Bukhari. Achakzai, who also heads the PTI-led opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, is a seasoned politician from Balochistan known for his defiance of the establishment. If endorsed, this would be the first time he leads the opposition in the lower house.
Swati, a PTI loyalist since before the 2013 elections, has faced his own share of controversies. He was jailed and allegedly tortured over a tweet against former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. His role came under scrutiny again last year when the party abruptly postponed its Tarnol rally, prompting criticism from within PTI circles.
On Punjab’s opposition leadership, Imran Khan has asked the parliamentary party to submit five names before he makes a decision. His directive comes after the Election Commission disqualified three opposition leaders — Omar Ayub (NA), Shibli Faraz (Senate), and Malik Ahmad Bhachar (Punjab Assembly) — over their May 9 convictions.
Sources said Khan, during his jail meeting, described the “extremely difficult” conditions he faces, including denial of access to television, newspapers, a private doctor, and even adequate reading material, with only four books provided in a month.
Observers argue PTI risks a strategic blunder if it fails to nominate replacements, warning this would allow the government to consolidate full control in parliament and key constitutional appointments. Earlier this month, PTI had vowed not to nominate new leaders, opting instead to challenge the ECP’s move in court. Omar Ayub has since announced he will file a contempt plea, terming his disqualification a violation of a Peshawar High Court order.
