Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has been appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, ending a prolonged vacancy in the Upper House. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani issued the official notification after reviewing parliamentary rules and procedures.
The Senate Secretariat formally circulated the notification to all senators. Copies were also sent directly to Senator Raja Nasir Abbas. Following this step, he officially assumed the role inside the House.
Raja Nasir Abbas leads the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and now represents the opposition bloc in the Senate. His appointment came after consultations and internal verification of opposition support. According to the chairman, Abbas commands backing from 22 out of 32 opposition members.
Senior government figures welcomed the decision. Several federal ministers and senators extended congratulations. Other members of the House also acknowledged the development, describing it as a step toward restoring parliamentary balance.
The position of Leader of the Opposition had remained vacant for months. This followed the disqualification of Senator Shibli Faraz. The Election Commission of Pakistan issued the disqualification order, which was later challenged in the Peshawar High Court.
Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the Senate Secretariat delayed issuing a fresh notification. Senate officials maintained that procedural caution was necessary. As a result, the Upper House operated without a formally recognised opposition leader.
Chairman Gilani clarified that the authority to notify the Leader of the Opposition rests solely with the Senate chairman. He said the decision was taken only after a careful legal and procedural review. He added that the matter required resolution to ensure smooth parliamentary functioning.
The chairman also explained that judicial considerations played a key role in the delay. Since the disqualification case remained under review, immediate action was avoided. Once procedural clarity emerged, the notification was issued without further delay.
This development follows a similar decision in the National Assembly. Earlier, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq appointed Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House. Together, these moves complete the opposition leadership structure in parliament.
Political observers say the appointment may improve legislative coordination. A recognised opposition leader can now formally engage in debates, committee nominations, and consultations. This may also strengthen parliamentary oversight.
Raja Nasir Abbas now faces the task of uniting opposition voices in the Senate. His leadership will shape the opposition’s strategy on legislation, accountability, and national issues. With the vacancy filled, the Senate is expected to return to more structured proceedings.
The appointment marks a significant shift in Senate dynamics. It also closes a chapter of uncertainty that had affected opposition representation in the Upper House.
