ISLAMABAD: The treasury and opposition benches have reached a consensus to appoint Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Ali Zafar confirmed on Monday.
The appointment follows the recent selection of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, marking a significant step in completing parliamentary leadership positions.
Speaking to the media, Zafar said the decision came after consultations between Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and senators from both the treasury and opposition benches. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also confirmed that a formal notification regarding the appointment was being issued.
The post had remained vacant since August 2025, when then-opposition leader Shibli Faraz was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) following his conviction in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
Earlier, the PTI parliamentary leader in the Senate had submitted a letter to the Senate chairman recommending the MWM chief for the position and urging his immediate appointment. Barrister Zafar highlighted the importance of the opposition leader’s role, saying it is crucial for effective governance, constitutional oversight, and the proper functioning of Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy.
He added that the prolonged vacancy of the office had left the Senate institutionally incomplete, underlining the necessity of filling the position to ensure transparency and accountability within the upper house of parliament.
