ISLAMABAD, March 14: Preparations are in full swing for the Beijing Olympic Games torch relay (2008) which will reach Islamabad on April 16.

Islamabad is also one of the venues for the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay selected by Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

Talking to Dawn, an official of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) said that “we are in contact with the Beijing Olympic officials as the Government is fully committed to host the event successfully”.

About a recent POA review meeting, in connection with the relay, the official said that the meeting was an internal one to review the tasks assigned to various officials like security, protocol, administration and other such issues.

The official also added that a representative from the Ministry of Interior also attended the meeting, saying that every concerned department is extending their full support for the event.

He said that a high level 12-member Chinese delegation headed by H.E. Mr Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice President BOCOG also called on the Prime Minister and the President in February and were assured full cooperation from the government,

Meanwhile, routes have already been finalised however, due to security reasons they are being kept a closely guarded secret.—A Sports Reporter