ISLAMABD, Oct 26: Visitors showered petals and laid bouquets around the pictures of those killed in the September 20 suicide bomb blast at the 5-star Marriott Hotel as they observed their Chehlum with solemnity and grief.

Some 55 people, who were killed in the incident, and more than 250 wounded were remembered at the ceremony held at the blast site here on Sunday.

While speaking on the occasion, Hashoo Group Chairman Sadruddin Hashwani expressed his resolve that he would remain committed to Pakistan when it came to the issue of investment. He said these testing moments had not shaken his belief in the potential of Pakistan.

“Of course, the situation is not conducive for business and investment right now,” said Mr Hashwani. However, the solution is not to “run away” from the country but to stand united as a nation and rebuild Pakistan, he added.

He told the participants of the ceremony that at present 274 dependents of the 31 victims of the blast had been identified. These bereaved families of the victims would continue to be support by the Sahara Fund, which had been established under the Hashoo Foundation.

The fund seeks to help the bereaved families by bearing their food, education and health expenses. He once again expressed his deep sorrow over the killing of his employees, who he said had sacrificed their lives for the security of other people. He said their contributions would always be remembered.

“The guards deputed at the entrance did not leave the place to save their lives. They tried their level best to stop the vehicle from entering the hotel,” he said.

He urged the government to facilitate him in efforts regarding the rebuilding of the hotel and ensuring foolproof security system to restore the confidence of foreign visitors.

Mr Hashwani informed the audience that a concrete wall would be constructed around the hotel, which would be strong enough to check any such incidents. He reiterated that the hotel would reopen on December 30 and till then all employees of the Marriott Hotel would be paid their salaries and perks irrespective of their status or position.

He said the Hashoo Group was trying its best to approach the victims but it was not an easy task.

“There are almost 750 employees of the hotel who hail from different parts of the country,” he said. Hence, the media should also come forward to locate these people and carry forward our message so that they may get assistance.