ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday notified Omar Ayub Khan as the leader of the opposition after his nomination for the post by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The leader of the opposition, a constitutionally recognized role, serves as a critical counterbalance to the ruling party by scrutinizing government actions and offering policy alternatives.
Traditionally, the lawmaker in this position also heads the Public Accounts Committee, which is responsible for auditing the government’s expenditure as reported by the Auditor General.
Khan’s notification for the post followed his meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, accompanied by PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar.
“In pursuance of rule 39 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, Honourable Speaker has been pleased to declare Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, MNA [Member of the National Assembly] as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly with effect from 2nd April, 2024,” said the National Assembly Secretariat in its notification.
Khan is the grandson of a former Pakistani president, General Ayub Khan, and has served his country in various capacities, including as the federal minister for energy, where he was involved in significant projects aimed at improving Pakistan’s energy sector.
As a close aide to ex-premier Khan, he remained at the forefront of the party’s strategic and policymaking processes. His proximity to the founding PTI leader also positioned him as a key player in the party.
His recent appointment as the leader of the opposition further solidifies his role as a significant figure within PTI and the broader political landscape of the country.
The PTI has vocally objected to the recent election results, claiming their electoral mandate was unjustly usurped.
PTI leaders, including the incarcerated former PM Khan, have consistently alleged that the elections were marred by irregularities and manipulation, asserting this deprived them of a legitimate victory.
