There is invariably a major suicide attack in Pakistan in the event a US or Pakistani dignitary visits the respective country. The practice has once again been repeated on the occasion of President Zardari departure to USA. Islamabad Marriott Hotel is once again a victim of such an attack - causing loss of so many precious lives.
Would some one like to comment on this consistent Phenomenon?
Does it smack of some understanding; but amongst whom?
A very interesting news report from a an MNA (Member National Assembly Of Pakistan)! MNA Mumtaz Alam Gilani and a couple of friends were in the Marriott Hotel after mid-night when Admiral Mike Mullen was in Islamabad. They witnessed unloading of steel boxes from a US Embassy white truck. US marines staying in Marriott Hotel unloaded and shifted these steel boxes inside the Hotel. None else was allowed to come near to the Truck. The Hotel Entrance Gates remained closed until the unloading and shifting of steel boxes was over. These steel Boxes were not passed through the scanners at the entrance of the Marriott Lobby and were reportedly shifted to the 4th and 5th Floors. MNA Mumtaz Alam has reported that he was accompanied by his friends/Colleagues Sajjad Chaudhry and Bashir Nadeem who also witnessed the entire episode.
Interestingly, several of these Marines are reported to be staying in Marriott Hotel at 4th and 5th Floor. More interestingly, TV Channels within half an hour after the explosion at the Marriott Gates showed rooms at 4th and 5th Floor on fire. The fire actually spread downward from the 4th and 5th Floors rather than upward.
Once again a million dollar question - Is there any link between the 'steel boxes' and the 'fire' starting from the Hotel Floors where these Boxes were reportedly shifted?
Pakistani PM is reported to have stated that the Marriot suicide attack was aimed at the President and Prime Minister. According to CNN, what saved these dignitories was the last moment shifting of the post President Speech Dinner to the Prime Minister House.