(Image source: NDTV)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

The Pakistani government will be put to a vote of confidence in the country’s parliament next week. The measure could shorten terms for Pakistan’s prime minister and president amid heightened tensions between the military and civilian government. Lawmakers proposed the vote in an effort to show support for the embattled political leadership.

Al Jazeera explains how the government’s relationship with the military has been damaged in recent months.

“After Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani fired the Defense secretary, a former general, things between the army and the civilian government got worse. Gilani said it was because of gross misconduct over ‘memogate.’”

“Memogate” centers on a message drafted by Pakistan’s civilian government that requests U.S. help in halting a military coup. When military officials submitted statements to Pakistan’s supreme court on the “memogate” scandal, Prime Minister Gilani accused them of breaching the nation’s constitution.

The exchange only became more heated from there, with the military releasing this statement:

“There can be no allegation more serious than what the honourable prime minister has levelled ... This has very serious ramification with potentially grievous consequences for the country.”

Pakistan’s Interior Minister downplayed the conflict with the military in an interview this week, saying the opposing viewpoints showed the democracy was functioning normally. The BBC has his comments.

“In democracy, we have transition, so ups and downs will be there. As I always say, yes, we do have a bumpy flight, but we land... in a very nice way.   

Speaking to the National Assembly on Friday, Gilani said if anyone wanted to make a no-confidence motion against him -- they should pass an amendment to the constitution that would allow for such an action.

Quoted in the Pakistani English-language newspaper, Dawn, Gilani said:

“‘Now we have to decide whether we should have democracy or dictatorship in this country. If we have committed any mistakes, it does not mean that democracy or parliament should be punished...’”

The Pakistani parliament will be adjourned until Monday, when the resolution of confidence will likely be put to a vote.