The threat was issued yesterday by a spokesman of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan led by Baitullah Mehsud after the expiry of a five-day ultimatum given by the militants to the NWFP government to resign.
Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar told reporters in Peshawar on phone from an unspecified location that severe attacks would be launched by the militants if the military operations in Hangu district and Swat valley were not stopped.
The NWFP government dismissed the Taliban's ultimatum and expressed its determination to continue with its peace process. It also warned that it would come down hard on elements that challenged the writ of the government.
"We have two options to settle the law and order situation either through talks or to use force," NWFP Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain told journalists after a special meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti.
The provincial government has a clear policy to solve law and order problems through jirgas and mutual understanding but it would use force against elements that are not cooperating with it and not joining peace talks.
"Police, Frontier Corps and the army would be used against those disturbing the development process and destroying peace," Hussain said.
Hussain also made it clear that the NWFP government would complete its five-year term and would not resign due to a deadline set by anyone.
