ISLAMABAD, July 17: The federal education minister, Zobaida Jalal, is likely to resign next month to contest the forthcoming general elections of the National Assembly.

Circles close to the minister told Dawn that Ms Jalal would formally tender the resignation in August and later she would start her election campaign.

If resigns, she will be the second minister after Omar Asghar Khan to quit the present cabinet for contesting the elections.

Recently, the minister, while talking to reporters, had expressed her willingness to contest the polls from Turbat (Baluchistan) on a general seat.

The minister had earlier said she might contest elections without relinquishing her office, the close circles said. They added that now, after the statement of chief election commissioner that the sitting ministers should resign before taking part in the elections as the principle of neutrality and impartiality demands, the minister had decided to resign.