The federal government (primarily led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) has declined to negotiate with Imran Khan. In his video message, the Chief of Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf offered talks to the decision-makers as he believed that more problems would occur if the situation worsened. Note that the arrest of Imran Khan on May 09 sparked nationwide protests that led to vandalism against army installations.
While talking to the media outside the Jinnah House, Minister of Railways Saad Rafiq said that Imran Khan used to call political parties thieves & traitors and used to make fun of initiating negotiations. He added that there is a certain environment and agenda for discussions, but now it is not the time for negotiations.
Similarly, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that Imran Khan has now reached a point where there can be no negotiations with him. Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif added that Imran has weakened the country economically and now trying to do the same to its defence.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also carried the same opinion. In a private TV interview, Ishaq said that May 9 events have changed the situation and how could negotiations take place in this situation. He further said there could be no talks with PTI until they apologize to the nation.
After the May 09 events, PTI is on the verge of facing a complete ban. Several key members leaving the party is a sign that PTI may get grounded for an indefinite time. Senior leaders like Fawad Chaudhry, Ali Zaidi and singer Abrar Ul Haq have announced their resignations from PTI. Note that Asad Umar stepped down as PTI secretary general and has not left the party.
