In a significant parliamentary development, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the chief of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), has been officially appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. This crucial position, which had remained vacant for the past five months, was finally filled during a Senate session chaired by Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The Official Declaration and Vote Count
Chairman Gilani formally declared Raja Nasir Abbas as the Senate opposition leader after the nominee secured 22 votes from the opposition members present. Following the announcement, the Senate Secretariat was instructed to issue the official notification immediately. Senators from across the aisle approached Abbas at his seat to offer their congratulations on the appointment.
Questions and Endorsements in the House
The proceedings, however, were not without a moment of inquiry. PML-N Senator Nasir Butt raised a question regarding Abbas's party affiliation, pointing out that he is not a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Butt questioned whether the PTI had no eligible candidate of its own for the post.
Despite this query, the appointment received a welcoming response from key figures. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and PML-N's Rana Sanaullah both welcomed the new opposition leader in the House, indicating a cross-party acceptance of the decision.
Background of the PTI Nomination
The path to this appointment began months earlier. In October last year, the PTI had nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as its candidates for the positions of opposition leader in the National Assembly and Senate, respectively.
As confirmed by PTI Senator Ali Zafar on Monday, Chairman Gilani had decided to proceed with Abbas's appointment after the National Assembly Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, appointed Achakzai as the NA opposition leader last week. Zafar revealed that Gilani was reminded of his earlier statement about consulting with the NA speaker on the matter, leading to the final decision.
Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to media outside the Supreme Court, had mentioned that the PTI founder had nominated both Achakzai and Abbas, and it would be ideal if both nominations were approved. Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah had also indicated last week that he expected progress on the Senate opposition leader's appointment following Achakzai's nomination.
The appointment of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas ends a prolonged period of uncertainty in the upper house and establishes a recognized opposition leadership, a vital component for robust parliamentary debate and oversight.
