ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the government had held positive talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and the next round of dialogues were to take place today (Sunday).
Talking to Geo News, Rashid regretted that Imran Khan did not trust his own dialogue committee and provoked his party workers against the state.
The minister said the government will never shut the doors of talks in the best national interest and wants to defuse the situation through peaceful means.
Rashid said: "The government did not initiate the clashes. They (protesters) turned violent and tried to enter sensitive government buildings, which are the symbol of the state. They wanted their demands to be met at gunpoint but still, our doors are open for talks."
He said the government wants to avoid mayhem and clashes and therefore has been trying to contact leadership of the protesting parties, adding that Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, if they want, could halt the clashes.
He said the administration was making every effort to protect women and children.