Pakistani government partner quits

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan was thrown into political turmoil Sunday when a coalition partner quit the government, leaving a minority administration that will struggle to survive.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) pulled out of President Asif Ali Zardari’s government, leaving it 12 seats short of a majority in a 342-seat parliament. The MQM cited an increase in gasoline prices and new taxes as the reason for joining the opposition.

“Right at the start of the new year the government has raised the prices of petrol (gasoline) and kerosene oil, which is unbearable for the people who are already under pressure from the already high prices,” the MQM said in a written statement.

Political instability is likely to take the government’s focus off the fight against extremism and leave it weak. Pakistan’s cooperation is considered vital in battling al-Qaida and in finding a solution for Afghanistan. The United States has worked hard to build a close relationship with Zardari’s pro-Western government and showered it with billions of dollars in aid.

Under Zardari’s government, Pakistan for the first time launched full-blown operations against Taliban extremists in the northwest of the country, working with the military. However, the military is thought to lack trust in Zardari’s government and has kept a tight hold on directing security and foreign policy.

Many in Pakistan will see the hand of the country’s powerful military behind the shakeup. The MQM, which was the second-biggest party in the coalition, is reputedly close to the military establishment. The current army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, has repeatedly indicated that he will not intervene in politics. However, historically, the military has worked behind the scenes to bring a premature end to the terms of civilian governments and also has periodically staged coups.

The loss of a parliamentary majority doesn’t automatically trigger new elections. That would require a no-confidence motion being passed in parliament. Much now depends on opposition leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been saying that he will not support moves to undermine democracy.

Sharif’s party appeared to suggest late Sunday that it will not gang up against the government in a vote of no confidence, removing the immediate threat to the administration’s survival. But some believe that Sharif may eventually be tempted to exploit the situation, believing that he would sweep fresh elections.

Zardari’s pro-Western government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party, came to power after elections in February 2008, which had ended the latest period of military rule. Great amounts of foreign aid have flowed to Pakistan since the restoration of democracy, but the administration is accused of poor governance and corruption.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said: “The government will stay. Even without everyone (coalition partners), the government will stay.”