Suicide-attack-hit Marriott hotel re-opens as 'Fort Knox' avatar

Islamabad, Dec 29 (ANI): The Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, which faced the most dreadful suicide attack in Pakistan's history claiming more than 50 lives, partially re-opened for guests on Sunday.

The hotel re-opened after three months with a giant bomb-proof wall to protect it against terrorist attacks, and with revamped security.

"We have expressed our resolve that we will not bow before the enemies of Pakistan," The Daily Times quoted Saddaruddin Hashwani, the hotel's owner, as saying.

Calling his hotel "the home of Islamabad" and "the identity of Pakistan", Hashwani said he had restored the building to restore Pakistan's image.

New security features in the premises rebuilt for Rs 1.2 billion include a four-metre high wall built especially to neutralise the impact of a bombing, bulletproof windows, 200 close-circuit TV cameras, an alarm system and a search room.

Zulfiqar Ahmed, the hotel general manager said that sixty rooms will be available for booking from January 1 and more will within two months. (ANI)