LAHORE: A reference seeking Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's disqualification has been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Sadiq said: "I decided to send the reference to ECP to strengthen the parliament...the decision was taken after I went through the documents."

On Aug 15, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had filed a reference against the premier calling for his disqualification as a Member of the National Assembly.

The PTI’s Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Chief Whip Dr Shireen Mazari and senior leader and MNA Dr Arif Alvi handed over the reference to Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in his office.

The reference was part of PTI's political efforts in the background of the Panama Papers leaks involving the prime minister, the party said in a statement.

Citing Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution, the PTI had said Nawaz fell under the criterion to be disqualified as a Member of the National Assembly.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had filed a reference with the speaker against PTI chairman Imran Khan and Jahangir Tareen which is also with the ECP at present.