The Pakistan government has reportedly agreed to register a murder case against 21 people, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for their role in the Model Town tragedy in June that led to the death of 14 people.
The government was forced to change its stance after protesters thronged the roads to the country's Parliament earlier on Thursday.
Faced with stiff opposition, the National Assembly Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif finally announced that his government is ready to file an FIR against Sahrif and other ministers.
"A process for the FIR has started and the government will not appeal against court orders," The Dawn quoted Asif during a debate in the Parliament.
The Lahore Sessions Court had earlier ordered the police to register a murder case against the 21 persons named by popular cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri of Pakistan Awami Tahreek (PAT).
The police, however, refused to register the murder case against Sharif, his brother and Punjab province Chief Minister Shahbaz and some other top Cabinet ministers.
The 2014 Lahore clash, also known as the Model Town tragedy, which took place on 17 June between the Punjab police and PAT activists had led to the death of 14 supporters ul-Qadri.
Will Sharif resign?
There are growing rumours that Sharif will now be forced to resign, especially as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) - led by former cricketer Imran Khan - has remained adamant on its demands on the PM's resignation.
Senior Pakistani minister Saad Rafique told Dawn that negotiations with PTI are still ongoing. While the government has agreed on five of the six demands put forward by PTI, the resignation issue of PM is causing stalement.
The Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) leader also emphasised that all political parties, except PTI, are of the opinion that Sharif should not be made to resign, till it is proved by a court of law that he is guilty.
