Appointment After Prolonged Vacancy
ISLAMABAD: Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief and Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas was formally appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate on Tuesday, ending a months-long delay after the position fell vacant in August 2025.
Abbas, who also serves as vice chairman of Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP), was nominated by PTI founder Imran Khan for the post.
Official Notification Issued by Senate Secretariat
According to a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani declared Abbas as opposition leader under Rule 16(3) of the Senate’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2012, with immediate effect.
The chairman announced the decision during the Senate session, directing the issuance of the formal notification on the spot.
Legal Hurdles Behind the Delay
Explaining the delay, Gilani said the office had remained vacant due to legal complications following the disqualification of former opposition leader Senator Shibli Faraz in August 2025.
He noted that restraining orders issued by the Peshawar High Court had prevented further action, requiring the Senate Secretariat to exercise institutional caution and respect judicial proceedings.
Majority Support Secured
Gilani stated that Senator Abbas had secured the backing of 22 out of 32 opposition senators, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for appointment as leader of the opposition.
His announcement was met with desk-thumping and slogans in support of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.
Abbas Takes Seat as Opposition Leader
Following the announcement, Abbas was escorted to the opposition leader’s seat amid applause, greeting fellow senators along the way. Gilani congratulated him before giving him the floor for his maiden address.
Maiden Address: Loyalty to Imran Khan and Constitution
In his first speech as opposition leader, Abbas credited Imran Khan for his political career, calling himself his “loyal companion” and vowing never to compromise on principles.
He stressed the sanctity of the Constitution, warning that disregard for law and justice turns society into “a jungle.”
Criticism of Governance and Rule of Law
Abbas said Pakistan was facing serious challenges, particularly lawlessness and erosion of public trust in state institutions, including the judiciary, Parliament, and executive.
He argued that governments lose both national and soft power when they lose public trust, adding that unity cannot be enforced through force alone.
Reference to KP Displacements and Security Policy
The opposition leader criticised the displacement of civilians during counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that peace cannot be achieved without justice and public cooperation.
Political Crisis Linked to February 8 Elections
Abbas linked the ongoing political crisis to the February 8, 2024 general elections, which the opposition claims were rigged. He alleged political victimisation and violence against opposition members.
Call for Imran Khan’s Release
He called for the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners,” claiming the country could not progress while a popular leader remained incarcerated.
Warning Against Political Interference
Abbas stressed that governance was the exclusive domain of elected politicians and said he would salute the military if it remained within constitutional limits.
Foreign Policy Remarks on Iran
He also urged Pakistan to take a firm stand against US threats toward Iran, calling for an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Rana Sanaullah Welcomes Appointment, Calls for Dialogue
Responding, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah congratulated Abbas and praised his balanced tone. He acknowledged flaws in Pakistan’s electoral system and called for bipartisan reforms through dialogue.
Historical Context and Political Differences
Sanaullah referenced the Charter of Democracy, contrasting it with confrontational politics, and questioned the role of long protests and sit-ins in destabilising governance.
Background: Disqualifications and PTI Nominations
The Senate opposition leader’s post became vacant after Shibli Faraz’s disqualification over May 9, 2023 riot-related convictions. PTI had nominated Abbas in October 2025, with the appointment finalised this week.
