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Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced talks with the opposition leaders shortly after anti-government leader Imran Khan announced civil disobedience movement.
Imran Khan told his supporters in Islamabad that he will not pay taxes and utility bills. He also asked the people not to pay taxes and bills.
Despite the announcement of the civil disobedience movement, the interior minister said the government has decided to start dialogue with Imran Khan and another opposition leader Dr Tahir ul Qadri who is also protesting against the government in Islamabad.
The minister said the government will form two committees to begin talks with both leaders possibly on Monday. He said the committees will comprise leaders of other parties and the government representatives.
Nisar also criticized the announcement of the civil disobedience movement and said that such steps are considered against the state.
"Pakistan is passing through a critical juncture and the security forces are fighting militant groups in North Waziristan tribal region and any confrontation could be disastrous for the country," the minister said.
Imran Khan and Qadri, led to protest marches, are demanding resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif but who has rejected.
There is no response from the two opposition leaders to the talks offer, however, they had previously rejected the dialogue and insisted on the resignation of the prime minister.
Imran Khan called upon the prime minister to resign within two days otherwise his supporters could move towards the prime minister and Parliament Houses. On Saturday Qadri set a 48-hour deadline to the prime minister to quit.
The fast growing political tensions have raised security concerns and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said Sunday that an IMF delegation, due in Pakistan on Monday, postponed its visit due to protests in Islamabad. Enditem
