Marriot Hotel Islamabad

Once upon a time it was Called Holiday Inn and it has remained my favourite eating spot for long. I held a number of seminars in the Hall where the Thai cafe now was. Then I also installed the non chemical water treatment sytems on their air conditioning system. Recently, a new cafereria Dum Pukht had opened with traditional Mughal Food. Yesterday, after the evening Mass I debated whether to go there or not. Finally I decided to stay at home and the kids left for Islamabad.

My family had barely turned the corner at 5 minutes distance when the blast took place. Thank God they were outside the range.

The spot of the explosion is so familiar. I always stopped there for a moment to pat two Labradors (golden) called Dodo and Lucy. They were sniffers and always recognised me and my daughter. Very playful indeed!

I also remember the big moustached security guard who used to hold their leash. An ex-soldier, and a veteran of 1971 and an ex-prisoner of war.

God knows how many more that I knew are no more. The tall concierge dressed in red, the Valet drivers, page boys and the scanning machine staff.

I remember that young girl at the entrance next to the Chinese Restaurant Dynasty. She must have been right next to where the big crater is now. She always had that typical greeting smile across her face. I am sure she died with it.

The gentleman waiving with a small child from the fourth floor has turned out to be the ambassodor of Czech Republic. He burnt to death.

Rescue services for high rise bulidings were inadequate. No helicopters came on the roof top. Though the rescue services and Edhi were on the dot, they lacked the expertise to handle a disaster of such propotions.

The explosion has the tell tale signatures of the FIA building in Lahore and is most likely to be the work of a home grown organisation. This organisation is now known for double crossing.