KARACHI, March 20: The Torch Light Ceremony as a part of Islamabad IX SAF Games held here outside the Mausoleum of Mazar-e-Quaid on Thursday.

Former Pakistani captain, Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui and International women athlete Taslim Fatima lit the torch through the solar system.

The torch will travel all over the country by before reaching its final destination, Islamabad.

The ten-day regional sporting extravaganza runs at different venues in federal capital from March 29 to April 7.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, who was chief guest received the torch from four children attired in the provincial dresses.

Sindh Sports Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani in his welcome address thanked the participants of the ceremony. Later, he presented an ajark and Sindhi cap to the Governor.

Sindh Governor later hand over the torch to first runner Mahboob Dawood amid cheers as hundreds of balloons were released in the air.

The 30 runners carried the torch with an escort to Karachi Cantonment Station where Sindh Sports Minister handed over the torch to a representative of Balochistan Olympic Association.—APP