SWABI, Nov 8: A bomb went off at a government-run school here in the Ismaelia locality on Thursday, partially damaging its building, police and local people said.

Police said that some militants planted an explosive device at the main gate of the Government Girls’ High School, Ismaelia, some 18kms west of Swabi town, at about 1am.

The explosion rocked the entire area and damaged windowpanes and the main gate of the building. It did not cause casualties, although a watchman was present there.

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, but a letter issued by a local religious outfit named Tehrik-i-Taliban four days ago, had warned non-governmental organisations operating in the district and their affiliated schools, video centres and internet cafes to stop their business or face consequences. Women were also warned not to visit bazaars.

Police had recovered a letter warning women schoolteachers and girl students not to wear light chadors, instructing them instead to wear thick chador or the traditional burqa.

Our correspondent adds from Mardan: Unidentified militants destroyed a video shop on Wednesday night.

The shop was located in a congested area in Bala Garhi, a village some 8kms away from Mardan. The shop was owned by one Jan Said.