What goes around comes around?

US, German and Vietnamese citizens were also killed in the blast, which injured at least a dozen foreign nationals.

Four Britons and an unknown number of Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US citizens, were among those hurt.

However, there are fears that more bodies will be found as rescue teams move deeper into the hotel.

The BBC's Barbara Plett, at the scene of the blast, says emergency services have not been able to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared trapped.

Collapse fears

The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 2000 (1500 GMT) on Saturday, when a truck blew up at the entrance after it was stopped for a security check, according to hotel officials.

The blast shredded the steel and concrete structure and triggered a fire which engulfed the 290-room, five-storey building for hours.

Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered bodies were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass.

Rescue teams have been searching the building room-by-room, but were being hampered by heat and continuing fires, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Officials warned the building could collapse.

"The building's structure is dangerous," Malik Ashraf Awan, a senior civil defence officer, was quoted by AP as saying.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

President Asif Ali Zardari vows to rid Pakistan of Islamic militants

"It consumed too much heat and shock."

At least 200 people - many breaking their daytime Ramadan fast - were reported to be in the hotel's restaurants when the explosion hit.

The attack came shortly after Mr Zardari vowed to fight terrorism, in his first speech to parliament since his election earlier this month.

After the bombing, he addressed the nation on television.

"This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards."

US pledge

There has been no claim of responsibility so far, but the BBC's Shoaib Hasan, in Islamabad, says the key suspects are the Pakistan Taleban who operate in the north-west of the country.

US President George W Bush condemned the attack and pledged assistance.

He said it was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".

He said the US would "assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".

The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite.

It is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions, so security is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.

The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel. #