Imran Khan Calls for Talks to Prevent Confrontation with the Army

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called for immediate talks with state officials on Friday, amid increasing pressure on him and a security campaign against senior aides and supporters that led to the arrest of thousands and the resignation of many in his party. Pakistani Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated that "civil authorities have handed over more than 33 suspects for military trials following attacks on army facilities" in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The minister told reporters that "the accused handed over to the army are those who violated highly sensitive defense facilities." Protesters stormed military facilities and set fire to the home of a senior military leader in Lahore. Since then, thousands have been arrested, mostly Khan's supporters. Human rights groups criticized the secretive nature of those trials.