Pakistani government seeks to extend rule of Musharraf

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The Pakistani government decided Wednesday to hold a referendum to extend President Pervez Musharraf's rule without requiring him to stand for election. Political rivals denounced the plan, and commentators warned it could backfire by uniting religious parties and the opposition.

Although the referendum is expected to pass, it already has sparked a bitter national debate that will determine whether America's key ally in the war against terrorism will be able to steer his country away from Islamic extremism.

The two major political parties -- the Pakistan Peoples' Party and the Pakistan Muslim League -- have rejected the referendum as unconstitutional.