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Pakistan's Main Coalition Partner to Quit Government


Policemen in riot gear stand guard, with parliament in the background, in Islamabad (File Photo)
Policemen in riot gear stand guard, with parliament in the background, in Islamabad (File Photo)

Pakistan's main government coalition partner says it will split from the country's ruling party alliance and join the opposition.

A spokesman for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, or MQM, announced Sunday that it would sit with the opposition in both the National Assembly and the Senate.

The move follows last week's resignation by two of the party's federal cabinet ministers.

The MQM previously has been at odds with the government over tax reforms, increased fuel prices and efforts to improve security.

It is not clear if the move will collapse the U.S.-allied government, which previously held a small majority in parliament.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani says his government will not fall, despite the planned MQM move.

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