ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday denied allegations of changing a clause in the Election Act regarding belief in the finality of Prophethood.

While speaking to the media, Law Minister Zahid Hamid remarked: ?God forbid, we can?t even think of doing such a thing.?

?It is being alleged that we have removed the clause from the Act,? he said, explaining that the clause regarding belief in the finality of Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is still a part of the Constitution.

Zahid Hamid also compared the amended law to the previous Act in order to prove that the clause has not been removed.

He read from both versions of the law and said: "In the older Act, the nomination form required the consent of the person, his political affiliation, his belief in the finality of Prophethood, and faithful declaration to follow the vision of Quaid-e-Azam which is followed by other questions."

Similarly, form 'A' of the new Act also asks for a person?s consent, political affiliation, belief in the finality of Prophethood, Quaid-e-Azam?s vision, followed by other questions, said the law minister. 

?They are exactly the same, there is no change,? he pointed out, adding that it is "sad that our opponents are criticising us for it".

Speaking about the Elections Bill 2017, which was passed in the National Assembly on Monday, he said that ?all parties were consulted before the bill was passed.?

The bill pertaining to elections has been passed after 40 years, he said, adding that the present law combines eight laws pertaining to elections.

Since the passing of the bill, many opposition members have protested against it for different reasons and have announced that they would move the courts against it.