ISLAMABAD: Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas was officially appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate on Tuesday, ending months of uncertainty over the key parliamentary position.
The Senate Secretariat issued a formal notification confirming Abbas’ appointment with immediate effect under Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the decision at the start of the day’s session, stating that the post had remained vacant since August 2025 due to procedural and legal considerations following the disqualification of former opposition leader Shibli Faraz by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Gilani said the delay was made “out of prudence and respect for judicial authority,” adding that the secretariat completed its review after legal hurdles were cleared. He told the House that Abbas had secured the support of 22 of the 32 opposition senators, meeting the required threshold.
Amid applause from opposition benches, Abbas moved to his designated seat as opposition leader.
In his first address, Abbas thanked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for nominating him and pledged to uphold democratic values, remain loyal to his party and honor his oath as a senator.
The appointment restores leadership to the Senate opposition after nearly six months without a formal head.
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