A Pakistani Taliban spokesman and another commander have denied the group is in peace talks with the government.

The militants contacted The Associated Press by telephone Sunday, a day after Maulvi Faqir Mohammed, recognized by many as the Pakistani Taliban's deputy chief, announced the group was negotiating with the government. He was the first named commander to confirm talks.

Spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan denied Mohammed's claim, saying there would be no talks until the government imposed Islamic law.

Mullah Dadullah identified himself as the Pakistani Taliban's chief in the Bajur tribal area. He also denied talks.

Maulvi Faqir Mohammed has long been identified as the group's Bajur head. But he reportedly fled to Afghanistan in recent years to escape army operations.