Pakistani Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb on Saturday ruled out negotiations with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying those who attacked the state could not be held talks but should be punished.
The minister said in a statement that Imran Khan was not calling for negotiations, but was in fact seeking a "national reconciliation decree" referring to a procedure that would allow him to bypass any legal proceedings for any corruption charges against him.
Imran Khan called yesterday for immediate talks with state officials as pressure mounted on him and amid a crackdown on top aides and supporters that led to the arrest of thousands and the resignation of a large number of his party.
"I appeal for talks because what is happening now is not a solution," Imran Khan said in an interview broadcast live on YouTube, warning that the country was heading towards chaos.
Imran Khan has been locked in a conflict with the military since he was removed from power last year, in a parliamentary vote that he says was organised by the country's top generals, which the military denies.
Minister Aurangzeb ruled out "talks with those who attacked sensitive facilities and buildings and were involved in acts of vandalism."
The confrontation with the military intensified when, earlier this month, Imran Khan's supporters took part in violent protests following his brief detention on 9 May.
Imran Khan says the cases against him are part of a campaign by the government and military to prevent him from returning to power.
After days of demonstrations, dozens of his party leaders were arrested for allegedly inciting violence, and at press conferences after their release, some of his closest supporters condemned the violence and withdrew from the party.
At the time, current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif criticised the Supreme Court for overturning Imran Khan's detention, calling it a "funeral of justice".
AFP reported that Pakistan's rulers were seeking to destroy Imran Khan before elections were organised.
Journalists, lawyers, activists, supporters and leaders of the Insaf movement say there are intimidation and influence campaigns, asserting that the "establishment" is behind it, a term to refer to the military that supports Sharif's government.
Interior Minister Rana Sana announced yesterday that authorities had handed over 33 Imran Khan supporters to the army for military trial on charges related to attacks on affiliated facilities.