The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday issued a notice to the ruling PML-N, seeking a response to several objections raised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Niaz Inqalabi, a member of the Islamabad Bar Association.

All three petitioners, in their respective applications, have argued that Nawaz Sharif has been overseeing the party affairs despite being disqualified, adding that PML-N cannot carry the former PM's name following the Panamagate verdict.

The PML-N is also violating the Political Parties Order as it does not mention any provision for an acting president, says Babar Awan — the counsel for Yasmeen Rashid of PTI.

The ECP has merged the three applications and issued a notice to PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, directing him to submit his reply by September 13.

Earlier in the day, the ECP also expelled an application seeking the disqualification of PTI chief Imran Khan on the grounds that the petitioner was unable to pursue the case.

The petition was filed by Hashim Bhutta to disqualify Khan for submitting an affidavit stating that he had not received funds from prohibited sources, which Bhutta said was tantamount to hiding facts from the ECP. However, Bhatta and his lawyer failed to appear before the ECP on Monday, prompting the regulator to vacate the petition.