Pakistan President and military chief General Pervez Musharraf has imposed Emergency rule in the country and suspended the constitution.

But eight of the 11 justices of Pakistan’s independent and feisty Supreme Court have already signed an order declaring the Emergency illegal. The Supreme Court was set to rule on the constitutionality of General Musharraf’s re-election as president in October when he is still the Army chief.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry – whose removal a few months ago by General Musharraf sparked widespread protests that led to his reinstatement in July – has been sacked.

CNN said troops had entered the Supreme Court and surrounded the judges homes.

Pakistan has been plagued by increasing violence lately, particularly in the border tribal areas.