ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern over recent advertisements appearing in the national media sponsored by government departments and public sector organisations congratulating him on his assuming the premier’s office, a spokesman for the PM’s office said.

The spokesman said the prime minister has taken strict notice of these advertisements and has issued directives to relevant authorities to present before him the replies to show-cause notices issued to the National Highway and Motorway Police and the National Bank of Pakistan for further necessary orders on the matter.

The spokesman said Prime Minister Sharif acknowledges and values the love and affection of the nation as well as the emotions of his supporters and has urged them to concentrate on nation building rather than on sending congratulatory messages to him.

Sharif took oath of office from President Asif Ali Zardari on June 5 after he was elected prime minister by the newly-elected National Assembly.

The assembly was elected in the elections held on May 11 in which Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), managed to secure the most number of seats.