Senior Pakistani officials have denied claims by a senior leader of the Pakistani Taliban that the government is engaged in talks with them.
Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik dismissed the claims as ‘unfounded’.
Mr Malik said no prisoners have been released and there will not be any talks with militant groups until they lay down arms and denounce violence.
In further indication of splits within Pakistan’s Taliban became apparent when several senior commanders denied that talks were ongoing.
Maulana Dadullah, a commander for the militants called journalists on Sunday to deny the claims made by deputy leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad.
Dadullah said Mohammad may have spoken in his personal capacity but not as a representative of the Taliban.
The Taliban will not hold talks with the Pakistani government until Islamic law is implemented by the state, Daddullah added.
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