ECP issues notice to lawmakers for exceeding poll campaign expense

Cases will be registered after investigations end against PTI, PML-N legislators

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued notices to a Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarian for exceeding the allotted expenditure limit during elections 2018 campaigns.

According to sources, PML-N's Dr Zulfiqar Bhatti representing the constituency of NA-91 Sargodha and PTI's Talib Nakai who turned victorious from NA-140 Kasur violated clauses 167, 136, 132 and 174 of the election act of Pakistan.

Bhatti allegedly spent Rs5.7 million which is Rs1.7 million higher than the given limit whereas Nakai allegedly spent Rs12.4 million, exceeding the limit by Rs8.4 million.

It is pertinent to mention that both the lawmakers submitted documents relaying the aforementioned spending to the ECP themselves.

A case will be registered against both the National Assembly members after ECP completes investigation.

Sources also said that an inquiry pertaining to "corrupt practices" can also be carried out against both of them and if they are proved guilty, they can face up to three years imprisonment apart from being disqualified and fined a hefty amount.