A bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing at least 40 people.
The BBC's Barbara Plett who is at the scene says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel.
She says the building is engulfed in flames, and rescue workers are carrying out bloodied victims and bodies.
Police say the blast occurred as a car approached the hotel, and that it was a suspected suicide attack.
Our correspondent says that the centre of the blast was at the front of the building close to the area where security checks are carried out.
She says that about two-thirds of the 290-room hotel is on fire, and the wounded and dead are still being brought out, on stretchers or wrapped in sheets.
There are unconfirmed reports of people being trapped inside the building.
Ambulances and police have rushed to the scene.
A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground.
"I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency.
The Marriott is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.
Previous attack
The attack comes just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.
In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads".
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.
In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.
The Marriott is popular with foreigners visiting Pakistan, and has previously been the target of militants.
Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | Deadly bomb hits Pakistan hotel
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