ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani together held aloft the Beijing Olympic Torch yesterday to flag off the local leg of the relay.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf (L) and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani hold the Olympic torch during an opening ceremony for Beijing Olymic torch relay in Islamabad, April 16, 2008. [Xinhua] |
At the opening ceremony, the two leaders presented the torch to Samiullah Khan, former national hockey captain. Musharraf and Gilani also attended the closing ceremony, underscoring the deep-rooted, "all weather" friendship between the two countries.
Khan said: "This is very important for me the Beijing Games is very important for us, because our best friend China is hosting it. The Pakistani people and I personally wish China the best of luck."
The flame made its way through the Pakistani capital from Jinnah Stadium to Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
Sixty-six torchbearers carried the flame, the last being Jahangir Khan, the squash legend who won 555 consecutive games between 1981 and 1986 - the longest winning streak for any athlete in top-level professional sport.
"I've always had a dream of competing in the Games but squash has never been an Olympic sport and (the chance to be a torchbearer) is like I'm taking part in the Olympic Games, like crossing the finishing line, getting No 1, breaking all the records and winning the gold medal," said Khan, who lit the community cauldron.
Syed Arif Hasan, president of the Pakistan Olympic Association, said: "We believe in the Olympic vision of 'international unity, peace and brotherhood', and as the torch moves through Islamabad on its 'Journey of Harmony', we reaffirm our resolve to uphold and promote the Olympic ideals."
Islamabad itself is a product of multiplicity and diversity.
The city, created as Pakistan's new capital in the late 1950s, boasts the best landscaping, most modern conveniences and cosmopolitan development in the country.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, who also carried the torch yesterday, told China Daily: "Hosting the relay in Pakistan is an important opportunity for this great country with a population of 160 million to promote the Olympic spirit and culture, and showcase its civilization. Also, it is a good occasion to show to the world the traditional friendship and special relationship between China and Pakistan.
"To be able to take part in hosting the torch relay - and to be a torchbearer - is one of the most precious experiences of my life," he said.
