Peshawar, July 31 - All educational institutions in the war-affected areas of Swat and two other districts in Pakistan's restive northwest will reopen Saturday, with teachers being directed to ensure their attendance or face strict departmental action.

The North West Frontier Province (NWFP) education department Friday directed teachers to ensure their attendance in the schools, Online news agency reported.

Classes would initially be held in tents till the 250-odd school buildings in Swat, Buner and Upper Dir districts that the Taliban had destroyed were reconstructed. No fees would be charged from the students.

NWFP Law Minister Arshad Abdullah said the situation in Swat and the other two districts was fast improving and the administration was making efforts for restoring basic services. Hospitals and banks would also reopen within a week, he added.

The Pakistani security forces had April 26 launched a major offensive against the Taliban in the NWFP's Malakand division - which includes Swat, Buner, Lower Dir and four other districts - after they reneged on a controversial peace deal with the provincial government.