Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has formally proposed Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the next opposition leader in the National Assembly, according to sources close to the party. The recommendation was made during a recent discussion with Advocate Ali Bukhari, where the PTI founder highlighted Achakzai’s experience, political acumen, and suitability for the role amid the current political landscape of Pakistan.
Sources indicate that the founder believes Achakzai could effectively represent the opposition’s interests, negotiate on critical legislative matters, and maintain party cohesion in a challenging political environment.
It is important to note that this proposal is not final and will be subject to review and approval by PTI’s political committee. The party’s committee is tasked with carefully evaluating all potential candidates before making the official nomination for the opposition leadership in the National Assembly. This step is part of PTI’s broader strategy to ensure that key positions are filled through consensus, balancing experience, capability, and the party’s strategic interests.
In addition to the National Assembly, the PTI founder also discussed potential candidates for the Senate. Names such as Azam Swati and Ali Zafar were recommended for consideration, with sources noting that Swati, due to his seniority and political experience, would be a strong choice for representing the opposition in the upper house. The party has been advised to thoroughly review these names before finalizing any appointments to ensure the selection aligns with PTI’s broader legislative strategy.
Regarding the opposition leadership in Punjab, the PTI founder directed the party to compile a list of six to seven potential candidates for review. This list will undergo scrutiny by the political committee, which will then make the final recommendation based on consensus and suitability.
Similarly, the founder left the decision regarding participation in upcoming by-elections to the political committee, emphasizing that all major strategic choices would be presented to the committee for mutual consultation and approval.
Meanwhile, the political scenario has been complicated by a legal intervention. The Peshawar High Court has issued a stay order preventing the removal of the current opposition leaders in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
This ruling temporarily halts any immediate changes in the leadership structure, underscoring the need for PTI to navigate both legal and political considerations carefully before implementing new leadership appointments.
In essence, PTI is proceeding cautiously in its leadership selections, ensuring that decisions for the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies reflect both strategic priorities and legal compliance, with Mahmood Khan Achakzai emerging as a prominent contender for the National Assembly opposition leader position.
