ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday denied that any negotiations were taking place between the government and the militants, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the interior minister said that the militants have again resorted to targeting security forces.

“We will not negotiate with these militants until they agree to disarm themselves,” he said.

Answering a question about Mansoor Ijaz, Malik said that Ijaz would be issued a visa according to the law when he applies for one.

"The people know who he (Mansoor Ijaz) conspired with to bring down Benazir Bhutto’s government," remarked the interior minister.

Malik said drone attacks had started during former president Pervez Musharraf’s rule, adding that the US had not halted drone strikes despite the current government’s efforts.