Pakistan's parliament is debating a controversial bill to allow President Pervez Musharraf to remain army chief.
Opposition lawmakers Wednesday tried to block introduction of the bill to the Senate. It has already been approved by Pakistan's National Assembly, or lower house of parliament.
Supporters argue the bill is necessary to allow Mr. Musharraf to continue the fight against terrorism and safeguard Pakistan's territorial integrity. But opponents say the legislation gives Mr. Musharraf too much power.
Mr. Musharraf pledged last December to surrender his military post by the end of this year as part of a deal with Islamic opposition parties. In exchange, the parties supported controversial constitutional changes that granted the president sweeping powers.