Pak govt in crisis as key ally MQM pulls out

New Delhi: The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led coalition was dealt a severe blow, after a key ally the MQM pulled out on Sunday.

The MQM, which had pulled its two ministers out of the federal cabinet last month, announced its decision to quit the nearly three-year-old coalition following meetings of its top leaders in Karachi and London.

The PPP deprived of a majority is vulnerable. There's also speculation that a no-confidence motion could be moved.

Pak media reports suggest the departure of the MQM and JUI is linked to efforts by the army and security establishments to undermine the civil political system.

But Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani claimed there is no threat to his government. "I can't comment on it as I heard about it from the media just now. The government will stay with or without anyone," said Gilani.

The MQM has accused the PPP of ignoring its concerns. It joins the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- which withdrew its ministers from the coalition last week and now sits with the Opposition.

"We withdrew from the Cabinet on December 27 and today we have decided not to sit on the government benches but to sit with the Opposition in the National Assembly as well as the Senate. However, even while sitting in the Opposition, we will continue to support the good steps of the government," said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Provincial Minister for Youth Affairs Faisal Sabzwari.

The PPP, which has 126 lawmakers and is now backed by 31 more parliamentarians, was at least 14 seats short of a simple majority in the 342-member National Assembly.

(With inputs from PTI)