Rawalpindi:
Another day, another bomb attack in Pakistan. This time the target was Rawalpindi, the garrison city just outside Islamabad.
Police say a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up near the Shalimar Hotel, less than a kilometre from the Army headquarters that was besieged by terrorists last month.
"We were going to the bank to get our salary, and I was standing nearby when suddenly a blast occurred near the gate. I ran out from the building with great difficulty and saw so many dead bodies," said Mohammad Saleem, an eyewitness.
With a series of terror strikes, particularly after the Army's offensive against the Taliban in south Waziristan, the United Nations has said it's pulling out some expatriate staff and suspending long-term development work along the Afghan border.
This is seen as a big setback since the UN has been deeply involved in a wide range of programmes - from agriculture to education and governance.
The government has now announced a five million dollar reward for information leading to the capture of Taliban leaders.
Meanwhile, a possible political crisis is brewing which could threaten the stability of the civilian government in Pakistan.
President Zardari's key ally, the MQM, may not support his party in pushing through a key ordinance, the NRO in parliament as it removes all civil cases against political parties, the biggest beneficiary being Zardari.
The MQM chief has openly called for President Zardari to resign, though a compromise may still be worked out. The uncertainty adds to the growing chaos.