Flame guards escort the torch and a lantern which holds the Olympic flame to the venue of the lighting ceremony of the Olympic torch relay at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on April 16, 2008. Islamabad is the tenth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland.
The Olympic flame witnessed its tenth-stop relay in Sports Complex of Islamabad on Wednesday with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani attending the opening and celebration ceremonies.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (front L) and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani (front R) hold the torch at the lighting ceremony of the Olympic torch relay at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on April 16, 2008. Islamabad is the tenth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland.
"I welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay on its 'Journey of Harmony'. Let me convey my strong sentiments to Beijing and wish them the best of luck at the Beijing Olympic Games," said Pervez Musharraf in the opening ceremony.
Jiang Xiaoyu (R Front), executive vice president of the Organizing Committee of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, hands the torch to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (L Front) and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani (C) at the lighting ceremony of the Olympic torch relay at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on April 16, 2008. Islamabad is the 10th stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland.
"We in Islamabad, share the Beijing's enormous pride as the host of the Olympic Games. I hope the world will witness determination, passion and strength, which are the hallmark of the Chinese nation. I wish them all the best and hope that they will always cherish the memories of their short stay in Pakistan."
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani also delivered speech in the opening-up. "The journey of the Olympic torch carrying the message of harmony symbolizes the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship and international understanding. Here today we the people of Pakistan confirm our commitment to lighting the passion and sharing the dream of global harmony," said Yousaf Raza Gillani."
The Olympic torch today places upon us as citizens of a growing yet shrinking world a great responsibility, a responsibility we must stand up and accept, a responsibility to share a universal vision of harmony, a responsibility to make the world a peaceful and passionate home for our future generations and to whom history will make us answerable."
The first torchbearer was Samiullah Khan, a former field hockey player from Pakistan, who was nicknamed "The Flying Horse" because of his great speed. He played as a left winger for Pakistan in 1970s and 1980s.
"I personally represents Pakistan wishing China good luck and host a great Olympic Games," said Samiullah Khan. "It's pitiful for the torch relay going on in the closed stadium, but the security is the first thing to consider for everyone. Millions of people can see the relay through TV. In 2001, I went to China during the ninth Chinese National Games in Guangzhou and I hope to find another opportunity to visit China next."
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf (2nd L onstage) and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani (4th L onstage) hold the torch at the lighting ceremony of the Olympic torch relay at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on April 16, 2008. Islamabad is the tenth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland.
