A powerful bomb went off outside the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar sending up a thick blanket of smoke. Peshawar is the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), in Pakistan. The hotel is on the way to the highway of NWFP where the Pakistan government is at war with the Taliban militants.

An eyewitness told reporters that the assailants came in two cars. While one of them shot through guard post, the second car followed it. The first car is said to have blown off after entering the hotel. He said that there were four occupants in each car. The eyewitness further told reporters that the police arrested four people. However, the police are yet to confirm this.

Latest news update says that 11 people have been killed and about 40 people including foreigners are believed to be injured in the blast. The injured include a minister, a legislator, two Pakistan air hostesses and a foreign aid worker. Fire tenders and ambulances arrived soon and the injured have been moved to Lady Reading Hospital. Five of the injured are stated to be serious.

According to the Police, 500 kg of explosives have been used for the blast. Eyewitnesses claim that the explosion was so powerful that it could he heard 15 km away.However, the casualties are expected to be sizeable considering the intensity of the blast. Further details of casualties are being awaited.

Police has cordoned off the area near the hotel. Some 30-40 vehicles parked in the hotel have been destroyed. Some rooms have also been damaged. Electricity has been turned off.
The police is checking out the rooms and the rescue workers have started their operation. There is a group of foreign aid workers staying in the hotel.

Last year, another powerful blast rocked the Mariott hotel in Islamabad.