NEW DELHI (Sputnik) – Pakistani Law and Justice Minister Zahid Hamid resigned amid the ongoing protests of religious activists in the country's capital Islamabad, local media reported Monday.
According to the Express Tribune newspaper, Hamid voluntarily tendered his resignation to Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Hamid's stepping down was reportedly one of the protesters' main demands.
#Pakistan minister #ZahidHamid resigns after violent protests — https://t.co/SUaBtv01dA pic.twitter.com/SLx24ynIZ0
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) 27 ноября 2017 г.
Hamid indicated that this decision had been taken in order to lead the country out of its critical situation. The official pledged to make a full statement regarding his retirement later, the newspaper added.
Pakistani religious activists agreed to end their ongoing protest in the country's capital of Islamabad after Pakistani Law and Justice Minister Zahid Hamid voluntarily resigned from his post, local media reported Monday.
The leader of the opposition Tehreek-e-Labbaik party, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, officially appealed to the protesters to disperse, according to the Geo TV broadcaster.
Despite an agreement with the government and Rizvi’s appeal, the demonstrators were still present at many sites across the country.
READ MORE: Pakistani Police Arrest 120 at Youth Convention Ahead of Anti-Gov't Protest
The Pakistani capital Islamabad has been gripped by protests over the past several weeks. The social unrest was triggered by the decision of Pakistani authorities to amend the election act by excluding the provision which required candidates to recognize the Prophet Muhammad as God's final prophet.
Earlier, the Pakistani government decided to use the army to disperse the protesters in the country.
Pakistani authorities called on the activists to disperse and resorted to force after the rioters refused to obey. According to local media, the clashes between the Pakistani security forces and protesters have resulted in six deaths and 200 were injured.
