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Raja Nasir Abbas Appointed Opposition Leader in Senate
MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has been appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, ending months-long vacancy after Shibli Faraz’s disqualification.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-20
Raja Nasir Abbas Appointed Opposition Leader in Senate

Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas was formally appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate on Tuesday, bringing an end to a months-long vacancy in the key parliamentary position.

According to a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat, the appointment was made under Rule 16(3) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, after Abbas secured the support of a majority of opposition members in the upper house.

“In pursuance of sub-rule (3) of Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, the chairman Senate has been pleased to declare Senator Raja Nasir Abbas as leader of the opposition in the Senate, with immediate effect,” the notification stated.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the decision during the Senate session, outlining the legal and procedural background behind the delay in the appointment. He explained that the position became vacant following the disqualification of former opposition leader Syed Shibli Faraz by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in August 2025.

Gilani noted that the matter remained pending due to restraining orders issued by the Peshawar High Court, which prohibited further action until judicial proceedings were resolved.

“The earlier deferment was procedural, occasioned by institutional prudence, due deference to judicial authority and rule of law,” Gilani said, adding that there was now no legal bar to proceed with the appointment.

He further stated that Abbas had secured the backing of 22 out of 32 opposition senators, meeting the requirements under Senate rules. As Gilani made the announcement, slogans in support of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan echoed across the House, with opposition members thumping desks in approval.

Following the announcement, Abbas took his seat as opposition leader amid applause from fellow senators. Gilani congratulated him before giving him the floor for his maiden address.

Maiden address

In his first speech as opposition leader, Abbas credited Imran Khan for his political rise, stating that he would remain loyal to his principles and constitutional oath.

He emphasised the sanctity of the Constitution, describing it as a social contract between the state and its citizens, and warned that societies collapse into “lawlessness” when justice and rule of law are undermined.

“The Constitution is sacred,” Abbas said, adding that Pakistan was facing serious challenges, including political instability, economic hardship and declining public trust in state institutions.

He also linked the country’s political crisis to the February 8, 2024 general elections, which the opposition alleges were rigged, and called for an end to political victimisation.

Abbas demanded the release of Imran Khan and other political prisoners, arguing that no country could progress by keeping popular leaders behind bars. He further urged Parliament to play a constructive role in restoring public confidence, resolving political disputes through dialogue and ensuring justice for all citizens.

Government response

Speaking after Abbas, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah congratulated the new opposition leader and welcomed his “balanced and positive” tone. He agreed that political issues should be resolved through dialogue and Parliament, while also recalling past allegations of rigging in previous elections, including those in 2018.

Sanaullah suggested that all parties should work together to reform the electoral system and strengthen democratic institutions.

Months-long delay

The Senate opposition leader’s position had remained vacant since August 2025 after the disqualification of Shibli Faraz. PTI had nominated Abbas for the role in October last year, but procedural and legal hurdles delayed the formal notification.

With Abbas’s appointment, the opposition has now filled leadership positions in both houses of Parliament, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.
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