ISLAMABAD: PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser on Monday ruled out a dialogue with the government amid a crackdown on the former ruling party and said there was a need to improve the prevalent state of affairs to pave the way for talks.

The former National Assembly speaker made these remarks as he appeared at an Islamabad court in cases registered against him, purportedly in light of violent protests on May 9, triggered by the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan in a corruption case.

In response to a question about whether talks with the government were possible, the PTI leader said the party was willing to consider the proposal if there was a practical and serious offer in this regard, but the current environment — a likely reference to clampdown on PTI — was not conducive for dialogue.

Mr Qaiser denied any form of contact with Jahangir Khan Tareen, a former confidant of Imran Khan, who is actively wooing PTI defectors to swell his ranks ahead of general elections later this year. Besides Mr Tareen, another group of PTI defectors, named ‘Democrats’, led by Murad Raas, has emerged as well.

The ex-NA speaker also denied contact with Fawad Chaudhry, who had parted ways with Imran Khan following the May 9 protests. Mr Qasier said he was in touch with the PTI chairman and was standing with the party.

PTI leader Asad Umar also denied contact with Mr Tareen in response to questions by reporters as he appeared before a judge to seek bail in cases registered against him. He, however, admitted that Fawad Chaudhry was in contact with him “from time to time”.

Mr Umar was also asked whether he was facing any “pressure”. He promptly replied that the only “pressure” he was facing was appearing before different courts every day. “Since my release from Adiala Jail, I have attended more than eight court hearings,” the former minister said. Mr Umar had quit party offices but chose to remain in PTI’s fold following May 9 protests.