PTI's Junaid Akbar named new PAC chairman

Members from both PTI and PML-N expressed their support for Akbar, ultimately leading to his election.

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In a unanimous agreement between the government and opposition, Junaid Akbar Khan, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been elected as the chairman of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The PAC meeting, chaired by Special Secretary Muhammad Mushtaq, saw key members from both the ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the opposition nominate Junaid Akbar for the role.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry of PML-N, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, and Shibli Faraz of PTI proposed Akbar’s name, which was endorsed by PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan and Qasim Noon.

Members from both PTI and PML-N, including Riaz Fatyana of PTI, also expressed their support for Akbar, ultimately leading to his election as the PAC Chairman.

Upon his appointment, Akbar expressed his gratitude to all members for their support. He mentioned that while he had hoped Sheikh Waqas Akram would take the role of chairman, he was honoured by the responsibility.

Despite having served for 11 years as a Member of the National Assembly, Akbar admitted that this was his first experience with the PAC and pledged to fulfill his duties effectively with the cooperation of fellow members.

“I am thankful to the government and my party for this responsibility. I will do my best to fulfill it well, and I will learn from my senior colleagues,” said Junaid Akbar Khan, adding that he would execute the duties assigned to him by his leadership to the best of his ability.

PTI had also revised its panel of proposed names, removing Akram in favour of Adil Bazei. Before the final decision was made, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had informed the opposition about the upcoming election and directed the PAC members to remain in Islamabad for consultations.