According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, Gen Kayani's decree, issued on the eve of Pakistan's parliamentary election, reverses President Pervez Musharraf's policy of involving the military in politics and removes a key pillar of support from him.

Quoting a senior military source, the report said "the move includes plans to overhaul the role of the military intelligence agencies in national politics", paving the way for a withdrawal of political support for the president.

The source claimed that one of Musharraf's close allies, who is the head of one of the military intelligence agencies, would be removed from his post after the election.

Gen Kayani has recalled hundreds of army personnel from posts in civilian institutions - civilian officials have long complained about military officers taking up senior posts in the civil service, universities and ministry.

The move is seen as part of efforts initiated by Kayani to distance the army from the political establishment.

Balloting got off to a slow start today in Pakistan's crucial general election as voters appeared to be wary of violence while the opposition accused the government of rigging the poll which is viewed as a litmus test for beleaguered President Musharraf.

Musharraf, who stepped down as army chief two months ago, is not directly involved in today's election, though it is crucial for his allies PML-Q and MQM to win for his survival.