In a national television address, General Musharraf said the armed forces were firmly behind his dismissal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's civilian government.

"I wish to inform you that the armed forces have moved in as a last resort to prevent further destabilisation," he said.

General Musharraf acted to "prevent destabilisation"

"I request you all to remain calm and support your armed forces in the re-establishment of order."

He said he would deliver a lengthy policy statement "very soon".

But our correspondent Owen Bennett-Jones says the fact that he has not yet stated his intentions means that while the fate of Nawaz Sharif's government is sealed, it is not clear what it will be replaced with.

General Musharraf could opt for elections or a civilian caretaker government. Alternatively he might decide that he wants to rule Pakistan himself and impose martial law.

The BBC's Owen Bennett Jones: "As soon as the army moved in the police melted away"

The army earlier announced the dismissal of the government after seizing control of key installations across the country.

Soldiers surrounded the residence of Prime Minister Sharif, closed down the country's main airports and took over state radio and television.

Click here to see a map of the key areas in Islamabad

The action followed the dismissal of General Musharraf.

General Musharraf: "The armed forces are firmly behind me"

Troops are reported to have disarmed the police guard outside Mr Sharif's residence and the Pakistan army says it has placed him under "protective custody".

The governments of the United States and India have expressed concern at the developments in Pakistan, and the Indian army has been placed on high alert.

The two neighbours have been involved in a tense stand-off over the future of the disputed territories of Kashmir, and the testing of their recently-acquired nuclear capabilities.

The governor of Pakistan's central bank has announced a bank holiday on Wednesday, apparently to arrest a massive outflow of foreign exchange from the country.

Army moves in

The army takeover began only minutes after General Musharraf was removed from his post.

Mr Sharif appointed the head of the country's intelligence service, General Ziauddin, in his place.

Shortly after the army's intervention began, state television went off air. Soldiers had scaled the gates of the building and taken control. Mr Sharif had been scheduled to visit the television studios.

Tensions with government

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto told the BBC that the army's action was a result of Mr Sharif's politicisation of the military. But she urged a return to civilian rule and called for fresh elections.

As troops moved through Pakistan's main cities, many people danced in the streets and waved flags.

Pakistan opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto: "A lot to do with Mr Sharif's running of the country"

BBC correspondents say Mr Sharif's government has become increasingly unpopular with Pakistanis, because of what is seen as its heavy-handed rule.

The same mood has been reflected in the thousands of e-mails received by BBC news Online, with the majority highly critical of Mr Sharif.

No reason had been given for the decision to replace General Musharraf.

Ahmed Rashid of the Far East Economic Review: "It's a very confused situation"

Earlier this month, the government had said that the general had been confirmed as both the head of the army and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff until 2001.

However, there have been tensions between the government and General Musharraf ever since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the withdrawal of Pakistani-backed forces from the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kashmir in July.

The withdrawal came after the United States intervened to end some two months of fighting in the disputed territory.

Three weeks ago, a senior US State Department official said that Washington would oppose any attempt by political and military officials to overthrow the Pakistani government through extra-constitutional means.

The statement led to speculation that the army might be considering some move against the government.

Mr Sharif appointed General Musharraf last year when the former army chief, General Jehangir Karamat, stepped down after making remarks that were regarded as critical of Mr Sharif.

The army has ruled Pakistan for 25 of its 52-year history.

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