Upset at being sidelined in talks, Pakistan warns Taliban

FILE - In this May 27, 2016 file photo, Taliban fighters react to a speech by their senior leader in the Shindand district of Herat province, Afghanistan. Two senior Taliban figures said that Pakistan has issued a stark warning to the militant group, apparently surprised over being excluded from the insurgents' secret talks with the Afghan government. (AP Photos/Allauddin Khan, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 file photo, Pakistani prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz addresses a news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan. Two senior Taliban figures said that Pakistan has issued a stark warning to the militant group, apparently surprised over being excluded from the insurgents' secret talks with the Afghan government. Pakistan's government refused to comment on Monday. It denies Afghan accusations that Islamabad is providing a safe haven to the Taliban. "We won't communicate with the Taliban through the media. I have no comment to make," said Aziz. (AP Photo/B.K. Bangash,file) (The Associated Press)

ISLAMABAD – Two senior Taliban figures say that Pakistan has issued a stark warning to the militant group, apparently surprised over being excluded from the insurgents' secret talks with the Afghan government.

The two figures say Islamabad has told the Taliban to either include Pakistan in the negotiations or have all the top Taliban leaders leave the country with their families.

The Islamabad ultimatum was expressed to a three-person Taliban delegation visiting Pakistan from Qatar, where the militant group's political office is located.

The two Taliban figures, who are familiar with the meetings in Islamabad, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

Pakistan's government refused to comment on Monday. It denies Afghan accusations that Islamabad is providing a safe haven to the Taliban.