ISLAMABAD: The government has formally objected to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) nomination of Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the position of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, in a letter sent to Chief Whip Aamir Dogar.
According to sources, the PTI has finalized Achakzai’s name and insists it will not be changed. Aamir Dogar confirmed the party’s stance, stating that while a formal reply to the government’s letter will be sent after consultation with PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar, the decision on Achakzai is final.
Dogar clarified that the seat has remained vacant for two months, a period during which the significant 27th Constitutional Amendment was passed. He defended the nomination, stating that Mahmood Khan Achakzai is a constitutional member of the National Assembly and that objections to his name are unjustified. He emphasized that nominating the opposition leader is the PTI’s constitutional right and urged the government not to cause further delays.
The PTI leader further revealed that the name was chosen after consultation with the party’s founder, implying no further discussions are necessary. A formal response to the National Assembly Secretariat is expected soon, which will finalize the process for electing the opposition eader.
Meanwhile in a separate development a senior leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have jointly shut down rumors regarding the replacement of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, affirming their commitment to political stability in the province amidst a complex tribal and security landscape .
PPP central leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, addressing the media, dismissed the claims as potentially reflecting “someone’s personal desire,” but clarified that no such decision had been taken by the party leadership. He emphasized that a change in leadership during the current difficult political and tribal situation could be detrimental .
This sentiment was echoed by PML-N leaders, with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stating in a private TV program that no conflict exists between the coalition partners.
