Representatives of the Pakistani government say proposed preliminary talks with a Taliban delegation in Islamabad have been postponed.
Taliban delegation members waiting to meet government negotiators in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
An official said further clarification was being sought from the Pakistani Taliban about the composition of their team and how much authority it has in the negotiations.
The BBC reports observers were puzzled by the government side's approach. The Taliban swiftly made clear there were to be no additions to their team, and urged the government side to begin talks and see for themselves whether the team had a mandate.
''They are making a joke of talks and joking with the nation,'' lead Taliban negotiator Sami ul-Haq told AFP.
''On one side they are saying they are talking to the Taliban and on the other side they are making (a) joke of these talks."
He and his colleagues left Islamabad later in the day.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced the talks last week, following a spate of attacks.
A BBC correspondent in Islamabad says some in Pakistan worry that the talks will only allow the Taliban time to gain strength. Previous peace deals have all failed.
The Taliban want Sharia (Islamic law) to be imposed throughout Pakistan and prisoners to be freed.