ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (TNS): With the government appearing bereft of solutions in the face of countrywide protests by religious zealots over the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat clause fiasco, Zahid Hamid Sunday evening decided to give in to their demand by resigning as the country’s law minister.
Per reports, Zahid Hamid has tendered his resignation and is waiting for its approval by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Hamid apparently made up his mind about his resignation during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier in the day where he said he was ready to resign for the sake of bringing the ongoing crisis to an end that flared up after a botched operation against protesters at Faizabad Interchange Saturday morning.
Earlier in the day, citing sources media reports said that the law minister had decided at the meeting with the chief minister that he would be tendering his resignation to the prime minister within the next 24 hours.
The meeting is being seen as a significant one since the Punjab CM is believed to be playing an active role in bringing the ongoing situation under control.
Earlier in the day, Law Minister Zahid Hamid released a video message on social media to assure the people that he believes in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a day after his family house was attacked in Punjab.
In the video, the law minister read out the oath that election candidates must take under the constitution.
After reading the oath, the minister said: “This is the oath that is part of the law. And you all know that Constitution of Pakistan declares Qadianis, Ahmadi Group and Lahori Group as non-Muslims.”
“I further want to say I love Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) from the depth of my heart. I am an Ashiq-e-Rasool and my family and I are prepared to lay down our lives for the honour and sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
Earlier Geo News reported that two federal ministers were likely to step down in the next 24 hours.
On Saturday, the authorities finally launched an operation to retrieve Faizabad intersection from Tehreek-e-Labbaik protesters after weeks of negotiations and nudging by the courts, but the police action only multiplied the government’s problems amid a worsening law and order situation in Islamabad and other cities.
Incensed by the government crackdown on the Faizabad sit-in, several men affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik attacked the residence of law minister in his hometown of Pasrur, Sialkot district.
The protesters, led by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, said they would continue the sit-in until Hamid – who they blame for the recent controversy surrounding changes in the Khatm-e-Nabuwat clause in the oath of office – is removed from his post.
