Lahore, June 1 : The Election Tribunal of the Lahore High Court has failed to reach a consensus on cases related to the candidacies of Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif, and referred the matter to Pakistan's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Justice Muhammad Akram Qureshi said the acceptance of the Sharif brothers' nomination papers by returning officers was incorrect, and therefore, both should be disqualified.

Justice Hafiz Tariq Nasim, the other member of the tribunal, said the returning officers decision was correct, as former President Rafiq Tarar had pardoned both candidates in 2000.

Following the announcement, Nawaz Sharif's counsel, Ashtar Ausaf, told the judges that May 31 was the last day for these appeals and the CEC had no authority. However, the tribunal did not consider the argument, according to the Daily Times.

Ausaf later told reporters that the Sharifs' could now contest the by-elections because the appeal was legally dismissed without any verdict. (ANI)