PTI dissident MNA Raja Riaz appointed opposition leader in NA

National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf on Friday declared PTI MNA Raja Riaz Ahmad as the new leader of the Opposition in National Assembly after securing the support of 16 MNAs.

“Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf declares Raja Riaz Ahmad, MNA as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan under Rule 39 of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly,” the announcement was made via official Twitter account of the National Assembly.

In addition to the declaration, the NA also shared a video of the speaker declaring Riaz to be the new opposition leader.

Speaker Ashraf said that it had been announced in the House that any opposition member desiring to become Leader of the Opposition could show their strength and submit their signatures to his office.

He added that opposition MNAs interested in becoming Leader of the Opposition had time until 3 pm to submit their papers with the signatures of supporting legislators.

The speaker said that the verification of signatures was made at 4:00 pm, Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Raja Riaz, and Hussain Elahi submitted their candidacy statements for the position.

Speaker Ashraf said that Elahi hafavordrawn in favour of Mahar, however, despite his support, he was unable to obtain the support of six MNAs.

“Hence, I declare Raja Riaz leader of the opposition,” said Ashraf.