LONDON, Dec 20: In a surprise development here on Wednesday, JUP central president and MNA Sahibzada Fazal Karim presented his resignation from the National Assembly to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.

A press release issued by the PML-N international headquarters quoted Mr Karim as saying that since he was elected to the assembly in 2002 on a PML-N ticket, he felt it morally correct to present his resignation to the PML-N chief for its onward submission to the National Assembly Speaker.

Giving reasons for submitting his resignation in a meeting with the PML-N leader, Mr Karim said that after the passage of the Women Protection Bill, which he felt was against Islam, it was no longer possible for him to remain a member of the house.

He said he would not attend the proceedings of the National Assembly anymore nor would he draw any allowances or benefits as MNA.

Mr Sharif told Mr Karim that although he (Karim) had made the decision to resign according to his conscience, the matter would be discussed by the PML-N leadership whether or not to submit it to the Speaker.