General Pervez Musharraf has declared a state of emergency rule in Pakistan according to state television in the country.

A newscaster on Pakistan TV said that "the chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order."

The announcement had been expected after several independent television stations reported the president's intentions earlier in the day.

Witnesses have reported soldiers being deployed around media outlets and police officials surrounding the supreme court.

It is thought that the judges, who are have been hearing several cases related to the constitutional legitimacy of Gen Musharraf's regime, are still in the building.

Geo News and Dawn News – neither of which have government links – had earlier quoted unnamed sources claiming emergency rule or martial law would be formally declared by Gen Musharraf after a cabinet meeting at 19:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

Both stations, along with other independent channels, have now halted broadcasting.

The security situation has deteriorated in Pakistan over recent months amid rising Islamist opposition to the president's support of the US-led war on terror.

Increased bloodshed between Pakistan troops and pro-Taliban tribal militants has added to the turmoil.

The country's supreme court is also yet to decide whether Gen Musharraf – who remains head of Pakistan's army – was a valid candidate for successful presidential elections that took place last month.

Gen Musharraf arrived in power in a bloodless coup eight years ago, but his loosening grip on power has coincided with overthrown political figures ending their exile to challenge his rule.

Washington, which regards Pakistan as a key ally in its war on terror, has previously warned Islamabad against declaring emergency rule.

Planned elections due to take place in January are likely to be delayed by the announcement

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