ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Amid political rift between the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition parties, the required constitutional amendment for an extension in functioning of the military courts could not be achieved, and resultantly the courts came to a halt on Sunday.

The two-year constitutional term of the military courts, which were set up under the National Action Plan (NAP) in 2015 to try persons on terrorism charges, has expired.

To resolve the issue, the PTI has planned to pass a constitutional amendment in the Pakistan and the Army Act, 1952, which requires a two-thirds majority in both the lower and upper house of the parliament.

However, it seems to seek support of the opposition parties as a key meeting of the parliamentary leaders, including heads of political parties, was called on March 28.

It was termed as part of implementation of the NAP, but the meeting was cancelled when the opposition parties refused to participate in the meeting.

This implies that no new cases can be lodged with the military courts.