The appointment of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly has triggered a fresh political controversy in recent days.
On 16 January 2026, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq issued a notification formally appointing Mahmood Khan Achakzai—chairman of PkMAP and head of the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan—as the Opposition Leader.
The position had remained vacant since August 2025, when former Opposition Leader Umar Ayub Khan was disqualified following his conviction in the May 9 cases.
Background and Appointment Process
The appointment was made on the proposal of PTI founder Imran Khan, who nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai from prison. A total of 74 opposition members—mostly PTI-backed independent MNAs—signed in support of Achakzai’s nomination.
The decision was taken in accordance with Rule 39 of the National Assembly Rules of Procedure, and no rival candidate emerged. PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar and Amir Dogar, formally received the notification from the Speaker.
The government also accepted the appointment. Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah described it as a step towards political reconciliation, while positive views attributed to PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif were also cited.
Controversy and Criticism
Mahmood Khan Achakzai has long remained a controversial political figure due to his statements and ideological positions. A Pashtun nationalist, he has previously made strong remarks regarding Pakistan, including statements such as refusing to say “long live Pakistan” if Pashtuns were treated as slaves, and allegations related to domination by Lahore. His father, Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai, was also known for his nationalist and resistance politics.
Further controversy arose in October 2025 when Achakzai’s daughter, Taterra Achakzai, a lecturer at the University of Balochistan, compared Pakistan on social media to a “cheap Temu version of Israel”. The remarks sparked widespread backlash, prompting the university to issue her a show-cause notice, while social media users labelled the statement as anti-Pakistan.
The appointment has drawn criticism both within and outside PTI, particularly because Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s party holds only a single seat in the National Assembly. Critics see this as a reflection of PTI’s weakened parliamentary position.
Akbar S Babar’s Challenge
PTI founding member Akbar S Babar has termed the appointment unconstitutional and unlawful, announcing plans to challenge it in the Federal Constitutional Court.
He argues that the decision violates the Constitution and could further deepen political instability. He has also accused political actors of engaging in backroom deals and power bargaining.
However, according to available information, the legal challenge has either not yet been formally filed or no definitive court decision has so far been issued on the matter.
