KARACHI, Safar 03, 1432 / Jan. 07, 2011, SPA -- The second-largest member of Pakistan's ruling coalition reversed its decision to join the opposition Friday, averting the potential collapse of the government of Pakistan, according to AP. The move by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, announced after Prime Minister Raza Yousuf Gilani backed down on unpopular economic measures, restored the government's parliamentary majority and eased the political crisis facing Pakistan. But the government's concessions could prevent it from receiving billions of dollars in international loans, exacerbating the country's already precarious financial position. The MQM's decision to rejoin the coalition came a day after Gilani said the government would reverse unpopular fuel price hikes that partly prompted the party's defection. He also said Friday during a visit to MQM headquarters in the southern port city of Karachi that the government would postpone a new tax system meant to raise more revenue. -- SPA 22:50 LOCAL TIME 19:50 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/853352