Islamabad, Pakistan Federal Minister for Law Zahid Hamid has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who will take final decision to accept or reject the resignation.
According to sources Zahid Hamid tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after meeting between Prime Minister Abbasi with Chief of Pakistan Army Gen Qamar Bajwa. However, officials of Prime Minister Secretariat are yet to release any statement to confirm and contradict news about resignation of Zahid Hamid. Sources say that Zahid Hamid is of the view that he does not wish violence in the country and he would feel proud if his resignation will help to neutralise the situation in the country although he is not guilty for any wrongdoing while performing his official duties.
Sources say that Zahid Hamid would be posted as Ambassador in any north American or European country if situation compels to accept his resignation.
It is pertinent to mention that Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah led by Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi is insisting that it would not withdraw from their demands; among them prominent were the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, disclosure of inquiry report into amendment to the Khatam-i-Nabuwat (PBUH) declaration in Election Act 2017, and strict action against those responsible for the amendment. Over seven persons including one policeman killed in wave of violence that started on Saturday morning at Faizabad Rawalpindi.
Police launched a crackdown on protesters belonging to Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah on Saturday at Faizabad Islamabad that backed fire and violence spread all over the country.
The federal government called in army on Saturday evening after protests gripped the country for help in quelling protests in Islamabad under constitutional provision for handling the situation. However, army troops were not deployed to deal with protesters and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and COAS Gen Qamar Bajwa held a detail meeting on Sunday and it was decided that Army must not place in front of raged protesters and Punjab Rangers should be empowered to deal the situation. Sources believe that COAS suggested Prime Minister Abbasi to resolve issue with religious party with dialogue instead of use of power. After this meeting, sources say that Federal Minister Law tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Abbasi. However, decision of sending Zahid Hamid would be taken by Prime Minister Abbasi and his resignation has been taken as preemptive measure for locking protesters into negotiation. D.G Rangers Major General Azhar Naveed Hayat would restart negotiation with leadership of Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah.
