Fearing coup,Gilani asked Britain for help

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asked High Commissioner Adam Thomson for Britain to support his embattled government,according to the officials,who didnt give their names. However,Friday,the Pakistani and British governments denied that such a call had been made.

A scandal that erupted late last year which centered on an alleged memo seeking US help in heading off a coup following the raid that killed Osama bin Laden has brought the army and civilian government into confrontation.

Meanwhile,President Asif Ali Zardari returned Friday from a surprise visit to the United Arab Emirates as lawmakers framed a resolution designed to bolster the political authorities.

The resolution pledging full confidence and trust in the political leadership is to be put to a vote in Parliament on Monday. It urges all state institutions to act within constitutional limits an apparent rebuke to the military after it warned of serious ramifications in response to civilian criticism.

After the resolution was introduced Friday,Gilani declared: Either there will be a democracy or dictatorship. The resolution was moved on the second day of a special session of the National Assembly that was convened by the PPP-led coalition to discuss the Supreme Courts warning that Gilani could be disqualified if he failed to revive corruption cases against Zardari.

The mood of uncertainty over the memo and the graft issue deepened Thursday when Zardari left abruptly for Dubai on a short trip. The president,close aides say,wants to be remembered as the leader who pushed harder than any other to promote civilian rule in Pakistan and loosen the militarys hold on power.