PTI to approach ECP against Maryam Nawaz for allegedly using CM secretariat

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is set to approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of the ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, for allegedly using the Chief Minister Secretariat for running the campaign of her ailing mother Kulsoom, who is contesting for the National Assembly NA-120 by-elections.

"We will move the ECP for this violation of the election code by the PML-N leadership. Already the ECP has served a notice on Pervaiz Malik for running Kulsoom Bibi's campaign in violation of its rules, but he is still active and was present in Maryam's meetings," the Dawn quoted PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry, as saying.

He alleged that the ruling party was using state machinery in its campaign, showing no respect to the ECP order.

"It seems the ECP is too weak to nail the ruling PML-N."

But the Punjab government's spokesman, Malik Ahmad Khan rejected the PTI's allegations that Maryam is using the Chief Minister Secretariat, saying that the building, which housed the CM Secretariat in Model Town had two other portions - one used for the PML-N activities and the other for public affairs units.

"Therefore, Maryam Bibi is not using the CM Secretariat," he said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had challenged the acceptance of PML-N candidate Kulsoom Nawaz's nomination papers for the upcoming NA-120 elections in the Lahore High Court .

The application, filed on behalf of PTI leader Andaleeb Abbasi, alleged that Kulsoom's nomination papers contained a lot of contradictions and were accepted despite her not appearing in person.

Numerous laws were violated, while accepting Kulsoom's nomination papers, which is why they should be rejected by overturning the returning officer's decision, the application stated.