Omar Ayub poised to lead opposition in NA

No other contender threw hat in the ring within designated time frame, leaving stage unchallenged

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Omar Ayub is set to take the helm as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, sources revealed on Monday.

Reports indicate that until 6 pm, the National Assembly speaker's desk saw only one nomination request land. No other contender threw their hat in the ring within the designated time frame, leaving the stage unchallenged.

Sources further reveal that a decision on the matter is expected today at 11 am.

The nomination for Omar Ayub's opposition leadership was backed by 85 members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), marking a significant show of support.

Read also: Impasse over NA Opposition leader continues

Last month, in a formal move, the PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council alliance put forward Omar Ayub Khan's candidacy for the opposition leader position, submitting the necessary documents to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq's office.

This development comes in the wake of approximately 90 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) associated with PTI joining hands with the SIC post-general elections. These MNAs, initially contesting as independent candidates, united under the SIC banner in a bid to secure reserved seats.

The submission of nomination papers was orchestrated by Malik Amir Dogar, in the presence of SIC's leading figure Sahibzada Hamid Raza, along with MNAs Ali Mohammad Khan, Riaz Fatyana, Dr Nisar Ahmad Jatt, and other key personalities.