Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomes Achakzai, considers him a reliable partner and supports dialogue on key political issues
Mahmood Khan Achakzai delivers his first speech at the National Assembly as leader of the opposition on January 19, 2026. Screen recording
ISLAMABAD:
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Mahmood Khan Achakzai offered unconditional support to the government for initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy, Parliament and the Constitution in his maiden speech in office on Monday, while calling for visits to Pakistan by Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief was formally named NA opposition leader last week, filling a position that had remained vacant since August 7. NA President Ayaz Sadiq summoned PTI Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan and Opposition Chief Aamir Dogar to his chamber to issue the official notification.
In his speech, Achakzai stressed that the House should serve as the true center of power. “The focus must be on the supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution, with internal, external and economic policies formulated within parliamentary frameworks,” he said.
He also called for immediate start of dialogue between the government and opposition parties, urging the authorities to facilitate meetings with Imran, adding that he and the opposition were ready to take the responsibility of starting negotiations with the PTI and other opposition parties.
Achakzai stressed the importance of ethical governance, citing that Islamic principles prohibited supporting evil deeds. “Our goal is to make this assembly a source of power. We must uphold honorable conduct and protect the sanctity of our homes and families,” he added.
He urged that constructive initiatives in the assembly, including policies on internal, external and economic affairs, be given full support. “Our votes are available for positive legislation. We should not engage in discussions or actions that we cannot justify to our families,” he said.
Highlighting his independent political record, Achakzai said he had supported the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in difficult times but had never compromised his principles for personal gain. “I have always stood up for the principles I believe in and have never violated my oath,” he said.
Achakzai also offered the full support of the opposition votes in the assembly, provided that an environment conducive to dialogue was created. He highlighted the need to reduce political tensions, release political prisoners and encourage parties like the PPP to re-engage in parliamentary politics under the principles of democracy and respecting the sanctity of the vote.
Regarding regional security and stability, Achakzai noted that Pakistan faces significant challenges.
“Our army and our police are strong and no one can kidnap citizens with impunity. We must have confidence in our people,” he said. He warned that the region was under threat from outside powers seeking to turn it into a battlefield, adding that past counterterrorism operations had displaced thousands of people.
Reiterating his commitment to non-violence, Achakzai said: “I advocate for a peaceful solution and will continue to do so. The former Fata has contributed significantly to national security, and local populations must retain primary authority in their regions.”
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed Achakzai’s appointment, describing him as a reliable partner in difficult times.
“We appreciate the points raised by Achakzai regarding dialogue,” he said, adding that the government remained willing to discuss political issues, including issues in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PPP leader Ijaz Jakhrani also praised Achakzai’s speech and highlighted the historically strong democratic and political relationship between the opposition leader and the party. Jakhrani called for negotiations between political parties to resolve urgent issues within the parliamentary framework.
