Talking to media he said ECP had extended the date till December 28 for submission of returns adding expressed hope candidates would submit their expenses till the announced date.

"60pc candidates have submitted their returns while 40pc are left even around 10591 candidates contested the election 2018, "he added. He informed ECP issued notices to the non-filer to submit their returns along with the reasons for delaying the submission.

Responding to a question regarding the time period of submission of returns he said it was mentioned in the law that after receiving 'returned candidates notification' all the contesting candidates were bound to submit their returns in the period of one month.

“ECP could take a strict action against all non-filer of returns as it is an illegal practice" he said.