ECP begins investigating two MNAs in election spending case

PTI, PML-N lawmakers under scrutiny

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday opened investigation against a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker for spending more than the allotted amount of expenditure during elections 2018 campaigning.

PTI's Talib Nakai and PML-N's Zulfiqar Bhatti have been accused of violating the election act.

National Assembly Member Nakai appeared before a three-member commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sardar Mohammad Raza.

CEC Raza informed Nakai that every candidate contesting elections was allowed to spend up to Rs4 million on campaigning whereas he spent around Rs12.9 million.

In response, Nakai's counsel informed the commission that his client entered the wrong amount in the form submitted to ECP and requested additional time to submit another form with the correct figures.

"Time for fixing the amount and submitting a new form is over," the chief election commissioner remarked. "Our job is to scrutinise now."

He ordered Additional Director General Budget to begin investigating both the parliamentarians and present a report.

It is pertinent to note that PML-N MNA Bhatti failed to appear before the commission and was issued another notice.