Peshawar/Khar (NWFP, Pakistan), Feb. 11 : The Pakistani Taliban on Wednesday threatened to destroy all schools in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) if government troops did not leave the area within three days.

According to the Dawn, the ultimatum was given to force the government to halt military operations in the tribal area of Bajaur or face a `massive attack' on the main town of Khar.

A foreign news agency quoted Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) spokesman Maulvi Omar as saying on phone: "After three days we will spare no school in Bajaur and attacks on schools will be launched in other tribal districts in the next phase."

A separate announcement would be made shortly about targeting government buildings, power lines and even hospitals, he added.

Islamic militants in Pakistan's northwestern Swat valley have blown up more than 170 schools in the past two years as part of a violent campaign to enforce their repressive brand of Islamic Sharia law.

Pakistani forces launched a massive operation in Bajaur last August. (ANI)