In an application filed before the apex court, the government said the process of bringing peace in Karachi be allowed to ``continue unimpeded and unfettered.''

``There is a very real and genuine apprehension that an interruption in this process may lead to a resurgence of violence and a drastic fall in the morale of all those who are engaged in the process of restoration of peace,'' it said.

Asking the court to recall its order halting death sentences, the government claimed that the military tribunals had been established in view of ``grave and precarious law and order situation prevailing in Karachi.''

It claimed that after the establishment of these courts the senseless killings and bloodshed had been ``substantially reduced.''

Asking the apex court to allow the process of ``bringing peace'' reach its logical conclusion, the government said the tribunals were set up to provide speedy trial to the criminals, adding the move was ``well-considered.''

``I think we have not taken any unconstitutional decision to set up military courts in Karachi,'' Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said before leaving for Saudi Arabia today.

Army had been given a specific task in Karachi in accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution, Sharif, who expressed satisfaction over the functioning of these courts, said.

The government filed the application in the wake of an order by a seven-member bench of the apex court headed by chief justice Ajmal Mian halting the execution of the death sentences handed out by the military courts in Karachi last Monday.

The court had passed the order following six petitions challenging the validity of the military courts and said no death sentence should be carried out till the disposal of the petitions. The hearing on these petitions would start in February.

Government move to set up controversial tribunals has been flayed by the opposition parties and human rights organisations.