Ally threatens to quit Musharraf govt

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) wants the government to use talks to settle the problems it faces with restive tribes and groups seeking more autonomy for the southwestern province.

"If the government does not stop the current military operation in Baluchistan by January 13, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement will pull out of the government in protest on January 14," an MQM statement said.

The Pakistani military launched a major crackdown against militants in Baluchistan after a rocket attack on Dec. 14 during a visit by President Pervez Musharraf.

Baluch nationalists say almost 200 people have been killed in the crackdown. The government has not commented on overall casualties.

Any pull-out from the coalition is unlikely to immediately affect the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz whose Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and other allies will continue to have a majority in the 342-seat National Assembly.