The second largest party in Pakistan’s ruling coalition has said its two ministers are quitting the federal cabinet, dealing a major blow to the government, BBC online reports Tuesday
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) cited corruption and rising prices as the main reasons behind its decision. It said it would decide soon whether it would leave the coalition altogether.
The move comes just weeks after a smaller coalition partner, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), left the cabinet of PM Yusuf Raza Gilani led by his Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
If the MQM, which dominates the political scene in the city of Karachi, leaves the coalition, Mr Gilani’s government would lose its majority in parliament. Mr Gilani’s coalition faces a number of major challengers, including a growing Taliban insurgency.
The cabinet is also struggling to implement reforms needed to secure a new tranche of an 11 billion US dollar loan by the International Monetary Fund to keep afloat the country’s fragile economy.
