ECP stays Nawaz Sharif's name in PML-N

Multiple petitions asked for the removal of 'N' from PML-N

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday rejected petitions submitted earlier demanding the removal of Nawaz Sharif's name from Pakistan Muslim League.

Four petitions had been filed following the Supreme Court ruling stating that disqualified persons cannot head political parties. Following the announcement, Nawaz's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif was named the president of the party.

In its verdict, reserved on Tuesday, the ECP rejected the petitions and stayed Nawaz's name in the title of the political party.



The Supreme Court in its detailed judgement against the Election Act 2017, which led to the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from the presidency of PML-N, the court said that, “To hold that a person who is disqualified to be king can nevertheless be given a free hand to operate as a kingmaker, who may, despite lacking qualification and without going through the electoral process, act as a puppet master, pull the strings and exercise political power vicariously, would amount to making a complete mockery of the Constitution, the legislative process, the law, the government and values that we hold so dear and have consciously worked for, defended and incorporated in the Constitution.”