Pakistani PM pledges to make Olympic torch relay smooth, secure

ISLAMABAD, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan will extend its full support to make the Olympic torch relay in Islamabad smooth, secure and safe, said Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillanion Thursday.

The Olympic torch relay in Islamabad will be an important event in the history of the country and it is a great honor for the government and the people of Pakistan to host it, Gillani said.

He said the Pakistani government is fully committed to the event and would mobilize all resources to ensure safety and security during the process so as to make the event successful.

It is the first time for Pakistan to host such an Olympic event.

The Beijing Olympic torch relay, which began on March 24, is due to arrive in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on April 16.

Dyed Arid Han, president of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), said earlier that Pakistan is fully prepared to successfully host the Olympic torch relay.

The Olympic flame, which was lit in the town of Ancient Olympia, Greece, will be transported to Islamabad from Muscat, capital of Oman.