Most messages have come from Pakistan, India, the UK and America with the majority critical of dismissed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his government. Many express concerns about stability in the region.

Some support the army's actions but many say that army rule is out of the question for the country. "We Pakistanis have suffered too much from them and won't let them go away with it," wrote Qaiser Kakakhel from Pakistan.

Among those critical of Nawaz Sharif was an e-mail from A Hanif in America who said the situation had been coming for some time. "Mr Sharif has been acting like a dictator even though he was elected. It's the sad fate of Pakistan to be ruled by the Army again and again."

Ovais Mushtaq, a student in Islamabad, expressed his surprise at the lack of opposition to the coup. "There was absolutely no support for Nawaz Sharif, people seem to welcome this action of the Army. I think the government had started to consider itself a champion and also underestimated the armed forces. This coup proved that the Army still has an overpowering role in the Pakistani political scenario."

Others were concerned about how the action would be perceived worldwide. "I feel sad for the Pakistani moderate public," wrote Kalyan from India. "Now Pakistan will be seen in the eyes of the world as an irresponsible nation and this kind of coup happening in a country owning nuclear arms is alarming."

A number of readers thought army control was a price worth paying. "No one wants a coup but Nawaz Sharif was a complete disaster for Pakistan and really most people here are pleased to see the back of him, even if its because of the army," wrote Ali Khan from Pakistan.

Nawaz Sharif: Surrounded

Z Hussain from the UK said Nawaz Sharif had made another "stupid mistake". "Democracy only works in a country full of strong institutions. Nawaz Sharif has destroyed all of them, and is now attempting to destroy the only institution in Pakistan, the Army," he wrote.

Another e-mail from the UK said the situation could now be good for Pakistan. Lutfey Siddiqui wrote: "At least we'll now have a transparent undemocratic regime. Coups have often been a pillar of stability and relatively bloodless in Asia."

Another said a military regime would hamper foreign investment and cut the inflow of foreign exchange, which is already scarce. "The need of the hour in Pakistan is a stable democratic government that focuses on improving the economy and ties with India," wrote Raguram from the USA.

Others feared it would increase tension between India and Pakistan. "Pakistan's blind race for N-arms and hi-tech jets will now know no bounds. After getting a drubbing in the Kargil crisis, Pakistan will now try to get things done in the most heinous way. They will use all their might to strike Kashmir and 'fulfil' their never-to-be-fulfilled dream," wrote Amit from the USA.

Another looked to the future for the country. "If Pakistan is ever going to come out of dark ages three institutions need to be dismantled," wrote Ashesh from the USA.

The army and the feudal land-owning families and the Islamic clergy. None of these three centres of power has any vested interest in improving education, health-care and rural development. On the contrary, they have even more interest in maintaining the status quo."