Parliament in Pakistan is to hold a vote of confidence in the government of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani next week.
The BBC reports relations between the government and the military are at an all-time low. The vote will be held on Monday.
Mr Gilani said on Friday that parliament must choose between ''democracy and dictatorship''.
He urged MPs to protect the country's democracy and said he will not beg support from anyone.
Mr Gilani said that anyone who had a hand in removing his government would be setting back democracy in Pakistan.
Analysts believe Mr Gilani is likely to win the vote of confidence, which would strengthen his hand.
