Exploratory peace talks between Pakistan and Taliban insurgents have made little progress, a senior security official told Reuters on Thursday. The official said the group, seen as the biggest security threat to the strategic U.S. ally, had flatly rejected a demand that it work through tribal elders to reach a deal whereby fighters approach authorities and lay down their arms. "They felt it would be humiliating," he said. "The talks are not making progress." A total breakdown in talks, especially if it led to any new waves of Taliban suicide bombings or shootings, would likely make Pakistan's civilian government -- accused of widespread corruption and ineptitude -- even more unpopular.