Islamabad (CNN) -- The second-largest party in Pakistan's ruling coalition quit the government Sunday over fuel price increases and other complaints, leaving the country with a minority government.
Sunday's announcement by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement that its 25 members would join the opposition comes after several previous threats to quit the government. But Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the ruling Pakistan People's Party would be able to function without a majority in the National Assembly, which chooses the prime minister.
"Just because one party pulls out does not mean that the government will fall or come apart," Gilani told reporters.
The MQM is one of the largest and most liberal parties in Pakistan, with its stronghold in the southern city of Karachi. CNN
