PRESSTV - At least 50 people have been killed and several others injured after a powerful blast rocked the center of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The apparent suicide attack targeted the five-star Marriot hotel according to witnesses.
Press TV's office in Islamabad was also damaged by the blast.
There were conflicting reports on the number of casualties with the local media putting the number of injured at over 70 people. the Press TV correspondent, however, reported that at least 150 people had been injured and about 300 had been believed to be trapped inside the hotel.
Foreign nationals were among the wounded. People were trapped in the building and the fire brigade was trying to put off a blaze caused by the blast at the hotel located in a high security zone.
The Marriott Hotel is a favorite place for foreigners and it has previously been targeted in similar attacks.
The hotel is located near some important government buildings including the National Assembly's. An Iftar dinner reception hosted by Speaker National Assembly, Fehmida Mirza was underway in the hotel when the explosion occurred and many important figures were among the guests, the Urdu-language daily Jang reported, citing informed sources.
But according to the Times of India Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was hosting an Iftar dinner at a nearby building which was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
The attack comes just hours after President Zardari vowed to fight terrorism which plagued the country.
JR/RA -PRESSTV