A member of Pakistan's ruling coalition says it is pulling out of the government at both the federal and state level, a move that could spark violence in the southern city of Karachi.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement or MQM party said Monday it was withdrawing support due to differences with the Pakistan People's Party-led government over recent elections in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

MQM's decision, while a blow to the ruling coalition, will not cause Pakistan's government to collapse.

A MQM spokesman said the governor of southern Sindh province, who is a MQM member, is also resigning.

Sindh's capital, Karachi, has been the frequent scene of deadly clashes between groups affiliated with the MQM and the PPP.

MQM briefly pulled out of the national government in January to protest the government's decision to increase fuel prices.