Pak PM accepts Law Minister Zahid Hamid's resignation

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accepted the resignation of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid on Monday.

Hamid had announced to step down voluntarily from the public office late Sunday night in the greater interest of maintaining peace and law and order situation in the country.

The decision had been taken in the wake of the continuing protests countrywide, following Saturday's failed crackdown by the police and paramilitary personnel on Islamabad sit-in staged by a religious activists.

"I was not directly responsible for the introduction of the controversial amendment to the Finality of Prophethood declaration for electoral candidates. In order to restore peace in the country, I have decided to step down from my position," claimed Hamid.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court has criticised both the government and the army for reportedly mediating and striking a deal with hardline religious groups to end their prolonged sit-in in Islamabad and several other cities.

Islamabad High Court Judge Mr. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui last week issued contempt of court notice to Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for failing to end the protests that claimed the lives of six people and injured over 100 others.