The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to nominate Mahmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.
According to details surfaced on Wednesday, the understanding was reached during a meeting at the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who hosted a dinner in honour of the PTI delegation. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar, Shahram Tarakai and other party leaders attended the meeting.
Discussions covered the political and regional situation, with the PTI leadership urging Maulana Fazlur Rehman to help unite opposition parties within parliament. Both sides agreed on Achakzai’s name for the post of opposition leader.
The PTI delegation also sought JUI-F’s cooperation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the Senate’s vacant seat. In addition, the PTI leadership consulted Maulana Fazlur Rehman on a proposal to hold a National Peace Jirga in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he welcomed.
JUI-F leaders Maulana Salahuddin Ayubi, Jalaluddin Advocate and Maulana Asjad Mahmood also attended the dinner.
Meanwhile, the process of appointing an opposition leader remained under review. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has requested the record of Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s speeches in the House. Verification of signatures of 74 members on the submitted request is under way.
Parliamentary sources said that legal experts are examining Achakzai’s speeches in the light of Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution. Criticism of the armed forces or the superior judiciary within the House is deemed unconstitutional, and the content of his remarks may affect his eligibility for the position.
A final decision is expected once the speaker completes the constitutional and legal review process.
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