Pakistan's interior ministry said on Sunday that the authorities had information three days ago that terrorists would carry out a attack in the capital Islamabad.
"We had information that terrorist can strike near the parliament or any other place in Islamabad," Interior Advisor to the prime minister Rehman Malik told reporters at a news conference.
The suicide bomber used a dumper, carrying construction material, for the attack, he said, adding that the bomber wanted to target Hotel Marriot.
He said that the Saturday suicide attack was the biggest in terms of volume and the quantity of explosives used in seven years. He informed the reporters that 600 kg of explosives were used for the attack.
Preliminary investigations showed that RDX and TNT of high intensity were used for the attack, which is used by the army, he added.
The explosion created a crater of over 18 meters wide and 16 meters deep on the road, Malik said.
He rejected the reported offer by the United States to help Pakistani investigators to probe the deadliest suicide attack in Pakistan in seven years.
"We do not need any help. We are competent, we reject it," Malik said when asked if Pakistan will seek help from the American investigators.
He said that the bomber targeted Hotel Marriot, an international chain, to attract attention of the world, adding that foreign investors and journalists stay in the hotel.
Malik did not blame any group for the attack but said that most of such attacks in the past had roots in the tribal region of Waziristan bordering Afghanistan.
"Unless we complete investigation as to who's done it, I can not blame any one but all the roads have gone to South Waziristan in the previous investigations," he said.
He confirmed 53 deaths and 266 others injured. He also added that four foreigners, including the ambassador of the Czech Republic, were killed and 11 others were injured. The injured included British and German.
Asked if the American marines were staying at the hotel when the attack happened, the advisor said that U.S. marines may have been staying there, but their stay does not justify to kill hundreds of innocent people.
"The U.S. should not be a reason for attack on other people," Malik said.
He denied reports about the arrest of any one in connection with the attack and said that no arrest had been made and investigation teams are working hard.
Malik asked the reporters not to air interviews of the militants, who he said are killing innocent people.
"Please stop glorification of the militants," he added.
He said that several foreigners had been arrested in the tribal region of Bajaur, who have links with some local people.
Source:Xinhua
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