Pakistan parliament to vote on trust in civilian government

Jan 13, 2012, 15:25 GMT

Islamabad - Pakistan's parliament will vote on a crucial resolution next week expressing support for the country's civilian leadership - amidst latest political showdown between the military and government led by President Asif Ali Zadrai.

The resolution of 'trust' in the civilian leadership comes two days after Pakistan's powerful military warned the government of 'grievous consequences' from recent criticisms by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of the army.

Addressing the parliament, Gilani said that it was time to decide whether the country wanted 'democracy or dictatorship'.

'Our resolution is not at all against any institution, it is not all against the judiciary, it is not all against the army,' Gilani said. 'Our resolution is for the strengthening of democracy.'

Pakistan has been ruled by the military for almost half of its history, since independence in 1947.

Rumours of Zadari's resignation hit Pakistan when he went to Dubai for treatment of heart condition in December.

Constitutional experts believe that a unanimous passing of the resolution will bring moral support for the government - already weakened by scandals, and confrontation with the judiciary over the reopening of corruption cases against Zardari.