ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition, reportedly nominated by jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, has been challenged before the Federal Constitutional Court.
The constitutional petition was filed by Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, counsel for PTI founding member Akbar S Babar.
In the petition, it has been argued that the appointment of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition is in blatant violation of the Constitution, the law and democratic norms. The plea contends that the process does not fulfil the legal requirements outlined under Rule 39(3).
It has further been stated that the mandatory condition of obtaining independent consent and verified signatures from Members of the National Assembly was not properly met in the appointment process.
The petitioner has urged the court to hold that, under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, a disqualified individual cannot directly or indirectly interfere in political or parliamentary affairs.
The Federal Constitutional Court has been requested to direct the Speaker to initiate a fresh process for the appointment of the Opposition Leader strictly in accordance with Rule 39(3).
Additionally, the court has been asked to restrain Mahmood Khan Achakzai from participating in constitutional or parliamentary proceedings as Leader of the Opposition until a final verdict is delivered.