This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7627791.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel
(20 minutes later)
Rescuers in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, are continuing to search for survivors of a suicide bombing at a hotel, which killed at least 53 people.Rescuers in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, are continuing to search for survivors of a suicide bombing at a hotel, which killed at least 53 people.
Some 270 others were hurt in the blast, which devastated the Marriott Hotel.Some 270 others were hurt in the blast, which devastated the Marriott Hotel.
The explosion, thought to have been caused by a truck bomb, left a six- metre (20ft) crater.The explosion, thought to have been caused by a truck bomb, left a six- metre (20ft) crater.
Most of the dead were Pakistani. The Czech ambassador was among at least four foreigners killed, and the death toll is expected to rise.Most of the dead were Pakistani. The Czech ambassador was among at least four foreigners killed, and the death toll is expected to rise.
US, German and Vietnamese citizens were also killed in the blast, which injured at least a dozen foreign nationals.US, German and Vietnamese citizens were also killed in the blast, which injured at least a dozen foreign nationals.
Six Britons and an unknown number of Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US citizens, were among those hurt.Six Britons and an unknown number of Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US citizens, were among those hurt.
However, there are fears that more bodies will be found as rescue teams move deeper into the hotel.However, there are fears that more bodies will be found as rescue teams move deeper into the hotel.
Pakistan's interior ministry has shown a video of the lorry carrying explosives that destroyed the hotel.
The BBC's Barbara Plett, at the scene of the blast, says emergency services have not been able to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared trapped.The BBC's Barbara Plett, at the scene of the blast, says emergency services have not been able to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared trapped.
Collapse fearsCollapse fears
The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 2000 (1500 GMT) on Saturday, when a truck blew up at the entrance after it was stopped for a security check, according to hotel officials.The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 2000 (1500 GMT) on Saturday, when a truck blew up at the entrance after it was stopped for a security check, according to hotel officials.
In pictures: Islamabad blastIslamabad's 'message from Hell'Analysis: Pakistanis bear the bruntIn pictures: Islamabad blastIslamabad's 'message from Hell'Analysis: Pakistanis bear the brunt
The blast shredded the steel and concrete structure and triggered a fire which engulfed the 290-room, five-storey building for hours.The blast shredded the steel and concrete structure and triggered a fire which engulfed the 290-room, five-storey building for hours.
Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered bodies were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass.Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered bodies were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass.
Rescue teams have been searching the building room-by-room, but were being hampered by heat and continuing fires, the Associated Press news agency reported.Rescue teams have been searching the building room-by-room, but were being hampered by heat and continuing fires, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Officials warned the building could collapse.Officials warned the building could collapse.
"The building's structure is dangerous," Malik Ashraf Awan, a senior civil defence officer, was quoted by AP as saying."The building's structure is dangerous," Malik Ashraf Awan, a senior civil defence officer, was quoted by AP as saying.
President Asif Ali Zardari vows to rid Pakistan of Islamic militantsPresident Asif Ali Zardari vows to rid Pakistan of Islamic militants
"It consumed too much heat and shock.""It consumed too much heat and shock."
At least 200 people - many breaking their daytime Ramadan fast - were reported to be in the hotel's restaurants when the explosion hit.At least 200 people - many breaking their daytime Ramadan fast - were reported to be in the hotel's restaurants when the explosion hit.
The attack came shortly after Mr Zardari vowed to fight terrorism, in his first speech to parliament since his election earlier this month.The attack came shortly after Mr Zardari vowed to fight terrorism, in his first speech to parliament since his election earlier this month.
After the bombing, he addressed the nation on television.After the bombing, he addressed the nation on television.
"This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards.""This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards."
US pledgeUS pledge
There has been no claim of responsibility so far, but the BBC's Shoaib Hasan, in Islamabad, says the key suspects are the Pakistan Taleban who operate in the north-west of the country.There has been no claim of responsibility so far, but the BBC's Shoaib Hasan, in Islamabad, says the key suspects are the Pakistan Taleban who operate in the north-west of the country.
US President George W Bush condemned the attack and pledged assistance.US President George W Bush condemned the attack and pledged assistance.
He said it was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".He said it was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".
He said the US would "assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".He said the US would "assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".
The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite.The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite.
It is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions, so security is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.It is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions, so security is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.
The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
Are you in the area? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments and eye witness accounts using the form below.Are you in the area? Did you see what happened? Send us your comments and eye witness accounts using the form below.
You can send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.You can send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
Name
 Name