Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri says the maulana's track record has shown that he always keeps options open and never walks into a dead end.

"He believes in the politics of reconciliation. So some pathway to break the deadlock is sure to emerge."

The religious affairs minister said that the protesters' demand for the prime minister's resignation is one that can't reasonably be fulfilled.

"And on that basis? That there are 15,000-20,000 people gathered who wish to bring an end to the government of one who got millions of votes?"

He said that among other demands, the strengthening of the election commission came under discussion when both sides met.

Qadri said the opposition committee was told: "When we make the commission strong, independent and powerful, then it can decide matters on its own [...] whether it wants the Army to come, it can decide according to the situation."

"Regarding the Constitution, we told them that to safeguard it is more incumbent on us as the government than you.

"The clauses to uphold Islamic values have already been inserted and we will see them implemented. We asked them what else they wish to see added," said the minister.