Sonya Fatah
The Toronto Star
NEW DELHI, INDIA – Authorities at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad say no Canadians were killed by the massive suicide bomb set outside one of the gates of the four-star Marriott Hotel in Pakistan’s capital city.
The Marriott caters to international travelers and the Pakistani elite and, as the bomb exploded, many people had gathered at the hotel to break their daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A Pakistani diplomat suggested the attack was “Pakistan’s 9/11,” BBC News reported.
“All our staff at the mission are accounted for, and as far as we know there are no Canadian casualties,” said a source within the Canadian High Commission.
The source, who often liaises with security officers at Islamabad’s two main prestigious hotels, the Serena and the Marriott, said an entire team of security officers deployed at the Marriott by the government of Pakistan accounted for seven of those who have died in the bombing. The officers are generally employed to ensure the security of VIP visitors and foreign delegations, including Canadian ones. The security staff was likely in the lobby at the time of the bombing.
At the time of filing, there were at least 40 dead and many injured but with people still trapped inside the hotel, the numbers were expected to rise. Islamabad’s police chief told the Guardian that the number of dead would be much higher because “dozens more dead” were inside.
The Marriott is a popular destination for international journalists, travelers and businessmen. In addition, many restaurants, in particular Jason’s Steakhouse, the Japanese restaurant, Sakura, and its Thai restaurant, the Royal Elephant, are also frequented by the city’s wealthier residents.
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