ISLAMABAD: Protesters from hardline religious groups called off their agitation that had paralysed the country's capital after the Pakistan government gave in to their demands and removed law minister Zahid Hamid who was being held responsible for questioning the "finality" of Prophet Mohammed.
A document released on Monday, bearing signature of home minister Ahsan Iqbal and religious leaders, stated the government has removed Hamid with immediate effect, leading to a resolution between the two parties. It also credits army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for his "special efforts" that saved the country from a big "catastrophe".
The protest started after the law ministry changed the election oath or Khatm-i-Nabuwwat regarding the finality of Prophet Muhammad in September. Led by firebrand cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, heading Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA), the sitin had brought Islamabad to a standstill with protesters blocking the main highway for over three weeks.
"The TLYRA will not issue any fatwa (religious decree) of any kind against him," the documents said, adding that the government will determine the people responsible for changing the election oath within 30 days.
The resolution also asks the government to investigate violent clashes between law enforcing agencies and protesters, which left at least 12 people dead, and take action against erring security personnel in the next 30 days.
It said that all protesters arrested will be released and cases registered against them quashed. "The government will determine and compensate for the loss of government and private assets incurred from November 6 until the end of the sit-in," the agreement said. Other demands made by Rizvi, which could further radicalise Pakistani society, were also accepted.
"No difficulty will be faced in registering blasphemy cases; no leniency will be given to those convicted by courts for blasphemy; no ban will be imposed on the use of loudspeakers," the document said.
The government also accepted changes in school syllabus. "Two representatives of TLYRA will be included in the panel to decide changes in the textbook board. The officials will push for inclusion of translation of the Holy Quran and chapters about Seerat-un-Nabi (life of Prophet Muhammad) and Muslim leaders. Another demand to observe "Martyrs of Prophet's honour day" on November 25 (the day when government launched its operation against the protesters) was also accepted.
A document released on Monday, bearing signature of home minister Ahsan Iqbal and religious leaders, stated the government has removed Hamid with immediate effect, leading to a resolution between the two parties. It also credits army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for his "special efforts" that saved the country from a big "catastrophe".
The protest started after the law ministry changed the election oath or Khatm-i-Nabuwwat regarding the finality of Prophet Muhammad in September. Led by firebrand cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi, heading Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA), the sitin had brought Islamabad to a standstill with protesters blocking the main highway for over three weeks.
"The TLYRA will not issue any fatwa (religious decree) of any kind against him," the documents said, adding that the government will determine the people responsible for changing the election oath within 30 days.
The resolution also asks the government to investigate violent clashes between law enforcing agencies and protesters, which left at least 12 people dead, and take action against erring security personnel in the next 30 days.
It said that all protesters arrested will be released and cases registered against them quashed. "The government will determine and compensate for the loss of government and private assets incurred from November 6 until the end of the sit-in," the agreement said. Other demands made by Rizvi, which could further radicalise Pakistani society, were also accepted.
"No difficulty will be faced in registering blasphemy cases; no leniency will be given to those convicted by courts for blasphemy; no ban will be imposed on the use of loudspeakers," the document said.
The government also accepted changes in school syllabus. "Two representatives of TLYRA will be included in the panel to decide changes in the textbook board. The officials will push for inclusion of translation of the Holy Quran and chapters about Seerat-un-Nabi (life of Prophet Muhammad) and Muslim leaders. Another demand to observe "Martyrs of Prophet's honour day" on November 25 (the day when government launched its operation against the protesters) was also accepted.
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