ISLAMABAD — The National Assembly is operating without an opposition leader, a rare but not unprecedented gap in Pakistan’s parliamentary setup, after the disqualification of the position’s previous holder along with several other PTI lawmakers.
The slot, critical for constitutional consultations and oversight, technically should be filled promptly. Yet, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — the largest opposition party — appears in no rush. Party leaders are still mapping out their next steps, hoping to see their disqualified members reinstated, while legal experts remain split on whether that outcome is realistic.
PTI’s Dilemma: Contest or Delay?
Insiders say PTI may opt out of upcoming by-elections for the vacated seats, dragging the process out rather than rushing to appoint a replacement. Such a delay could open the door for other opposition factions to stake their claim to the role.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is already being floated as a contender, with speculation that its chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, could be pushed forward for the position. Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) head Mehmood Khan Achakzai is also mentioned in political circles as a possible candidate. Government allies have reportedly explored ways to bring Fazlur Rehman on board — a move that could trigger new rivalries inside the opposition.
History Suggests It’s Possible
Fazlur Rehman has held the role before. During the Musharraf era, he became leader of the opposition despite the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holding more seats collectively than his Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA). That precedent is fuelling speculation he could return to the position under the right political circumstances.
No Deadline, But Pressure Building
The Assembly’s rules don’t set a strict time limit for electing an opposition leader, but they do recommend the position be filled “as soon as possible.” The role is pivotal for high-stakes constitutional consultations, including appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
If the speaker decides to push the matter, opposition members would be given a deadline to submit a name with signatures. For now, however, there’s no sign the current Assembly session will resolve the issue. Without decisive action, analysts warn PTI risks ceding ground to rivals — both inside and outside the opposition benches.
