Three military courts have started work in the Pakistani city of Karachi.

The first trials to be heard concern two cases of murder, and one of gang rape.

The Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif ordered the establishment of the military courts as part of a package of measures aimed at restoring order to the city.

Political violence in Karachi has killed more than seven-hundred people so far this year.

Mr Sharif hopes the new courts will provide an example of the kind of speedy justice that he says Pakistan needs.

Human rights campaigners, however, complain that the courts are likely to lead to miscarriages of justice.