Mahmood Khan Achakzai'S Opposition Appointment Challenged In Islamabad Fcc

The recent appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly has been legally challenged in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The petition, filed by Akbar S. Babar, a founding member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), argues that Achakzai's nomination was invalid due to procedural violations. Specifically, the petition claims that the Speaker of the National Assembly failed to independently verify the signatures of the members supporting Achakzai's nomination, as mandated by Rule 39(3) of the National Assembly Rules of Procedure. Babar's legal counsel, Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, emphasized that the appointment reflects a serious constitutional breach, stating, "The notification of Achakzai's appointment reflects a serious constitutional breach" (Tribune Latest, February 23, 2026). The petition also raises concerns about the legitimacy of a nomination made by Imran Khan, the PTI founder, who is currently incarcerated and disqualified from holding public office, questioning whether a disqualified individual can exercise political authority in any capacity.