Imran Khan's rearrest derailed talks 'but there's still time', PTI chief tells govt

• Gohar confirms talks with govt but refuses to divulge details.
• "We had established some initial contacts," says PTI chief.
• Asks govt there is still time to hold negotiations with opposition.

After the "final call" protest in Islamabad increased new legal challenges for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), embattled party's chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Thursday that they had engaged in talks with the incumbent government but it remained inconclusive.

"We had established some initial contacts," confirmed Gohar while speaking on Geo News programme "Capital Talk", refusing to divulge details of the meetings between the PTI and the government to settle political disputes.

He made the statement when questioned about a potential "deal" between both sides, with some government sources, according to programme host Hamid Mir, claiming that they came close to resolving political issues amicably, including the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.

Gohar also affirmed that the PTI leaders informed incarcerated party founder Imran Khan about the developments during negotiations before its "do-or-die" protest in Islamabad which started on November 24 before its abrupt end in the wee hours of November 27, Wednesday.

Gohar blamed the incumbent government for the failure of the talks, categorically dismissing the latter's allegations against ex-PM Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi for becoming a hurdle in reaching a "deal".

"We have had some discussions and were hoping to make progress. All sides should realise their responsibility and respect each other." he said.

He, however, said that "there is still time" for matters to be resolved amicably via talks. The PTI chief said that the biggest reason for the talks failure was Khan's rearrest after he secured bail from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in new Toshakhana case last month.

A day ago, Gohar had extended an olive branch, saying the party is ready to hold talks with all political parties and the jailed former premier "will chalk out the future course of action".

His remarks came as the PTI and coalition government traded blames for the violence during the much-hyped protest that left four law enforcers dead in Islamabad last month.

The former ruling party has since claimed that at least 12 of its workers were killed and 1,000 were arrested. However, the government has categorically denied using live ammunition against the protesters and said that four law enforcers including three Rangers personnel and a policeman were martyred during the protest.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government has time and again asked the PTI to "sit across the table and talk", but its founder turned the offer, stating that the party will only hold talks with those wielding real power.