Senator Raja Nasir Abbas has officially been appointed as the leader of the opposition in Pakistan’s Senate. The decision comes after the disqualification of Shibli Faraz, leaving the post vacant for several months.
The appointment was notified by Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and issued through the Senate Secretariat. A copy of the notification was also sent to Raja Nasir Abbas and all Senate members.
Abbas, a PTI-backed lawmaker and leader of Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the appointment. Addressing the Senate, he said he remains loyal to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and will uphold the Constitution.
“I will never compromise on principles, nor participate in any violation of the Constitution,” Abbas stated. He also emphasized that the release of Imran Khan is essential to resolving the ongoing political crisis in the country.
Senior PTI leaders, including Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and Tariq Fazal, congratulated Raja Nasir Abbas on his new role. Senators also lauded his appointment, amid chants of “long live Imran Khan” inside the upper house.
The position of opposition leader in the Senate is crucial for maintaining parliamentary balance. Abbas’s appointment is expected to strengthen PTI’s voice in the upper house and guide opposition strategy on key legislative issues.
This move follows a similar pattern in the National Assembly, where Mehmood Khan Achakzai was appointed as opposition leader. Both Abbas and Achakzai were nominated by Imran Khan last year in August, reflecting the party’s strategic planning for parliamentary leadership.
As Senate opposition leader, Raja Nasir Abbas will now oversee coordination among opposition senators. He will also play a central role in debates on bills, accountability measures, and constitutional matters, ensuring that the opposition has a unified voice.
Abbas’s elevation comes at a politically sensitive time, with ongoing legal proceedings against Imran Khan and heightened scrutiny of parliamentary operations. Observers say his leadership could significantly influence the PTI’s approach in the Senate during the current session.
Stay updated on PTI’s parliamentary moves as Gohar confirms Mehmood Khan Achakzai as opposition leader in the National Assembly. The Senate Secretariat confirmed that the appointment of Raja Nasir Abbas complies with all relevant rules and legal procedures. He is now expected to assume his full duties immediately.
