Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, leader of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been officially appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s Senate. This appointment follows the vacancy left after the disqualification of former opposition leader Shibli Faraz.
Official Notification and Background
On Tuesday, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani issued a notification under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, declaring Senator Raja Nasir Abbas as the opposition leader with immediate effect. The position had remained unfilled since August 2025, when Shibli Faraz was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after being convicted in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots.
Raja Nasir’s Address and Priorities
Following his notification, Raja Nasir addressed the Senate, reaffirming his loyalty to PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. He emphasized his commitment to upholding principles without compromise.
He called on politicians and parliamentarians to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over elite interests. Highlighting issues such as lack of access to medicine, electricity shortages, and challenges in education, Raja Nasir urged lawmakers to focus on public welfare through effective legislation and policies.
The opposition leader also advocated for freedom of expression and urged authorities to allow citizens to speak without fear. He stressed that resolving the political crisis hinges on the release of Imran Khan and called upon parliament to raise its voice for political prisoners.
Reactions from Political Figures
Rana Sanaullah congratulated Allama Raja Nasir Abbas on his appointment and called for collaborative efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s political system. He expressed hope that Raja Nasir would uphold the highest traditions of the Senate.
Addressing concerns about election integrity, Sanaullah remarked on past election controversies, including claims of vote tampering in 2018 and the formation of a commission that met only once. He emphasized the importance of moving forward to improve the electoral system and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s functioning.
