By Asif Shahzad Associated Press

A huge explosion ripped through part of the heavily guarded Marriott Hotel in Pakistan’s capital on Saturday. Many people, including foreigners, were seen running out, some of them stained with blood.

There was no immediate word on casualties at the site, which is a favorite place for foreigners to stay and is heavily guarded. Ambulances rushed to the scene, where a fire also burned.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, and its exact cause was unclear. But Pakistan has faced a wave of militant violence in recent weeks following army-led offensives against insurgents in its border regions.

Mohammad Sultan, a hotel employee, said he was in the lobby when something exploded, he fell down, and everything temporarily went dark.

“I don’t understand what it was but it was like the world is finished,” he said.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) – A large explosion has occurred in the vicinity of the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan’s capital.

The blast resounded through Islamabad but there was no immediate word on casualties or the cause.

Many foreigners stay in the hotel while visiting Pakistan and it is heavily guarded.

Pakistan has faced a wave of violence in recent weeks following military offensives against insurgents in its border regions.

If you are looking for a real rainbow video in Islamabad; not to your disappointment, its here in my blog.

Thought to shoot them before eating!

A shot before the lunch, originally uploaded by Fahd Murtaza.

This is my first video posted to youtube. I  shot this at G11 Markaz Islamabad on January 11 2008. The previous post in the blog contains the still shot!

That was my first rainbow shot in Islamabad! The place is G11 Markaz Islamabad! I know one thing at least, I am crazy about rainbows.

Islamabad and Rainbow, originally uploaded by Fahd Murtaza.

Yeah Islamabad rain. G11 Markaz Islamabad

Raining in Islamabad, originally uploaded by Fahd Murtaza.

Islamabad night view near Lal Masjid the red mosque!

Islamabad Night, originally uploaded by Fahd Murtaza.

A street hawker, G11 Markaz Islamabad

A steet hawker, originally uploaded by Fahd Murtaza.

The Milkman on his Bike. I woke up this morning and found this interesting activity going on on the road besides my apartment.

The Milkman on his Bike,  by Fahd Murtaza.

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This Afghan boy I met at F11 Markaz, Islamabad, Pakistan. When asked for a shoot, instantly agreed and posed right away!

Afghan Boy with his Kite, by Fahd Murtaza.