LAHORE, July 19: A five-member delegation of Beijing Olympics torch relay has praised Pakistan plans for receiving the Olympic Flame and to hold a grand ceremony for mark its presence in Pakistan on April 16, 2008.

The high-level delegation, led by Ms Zhang Ming, on their two-day visit to Islamabad, held important meetings with officials of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

“They praised the programme we have arranged to welcome the Olympic Flame in Islamabad and to organise cultural functions to mark its presence in Pakistan,” said Lt Col Mohammad Yahya, torch coordinator in Pakistan, here on Thursday.

He said upon its arrival on July 16, the Chinese delegation briefed the PSB, POA officials on the Olympic Flame and its visit programme to various countries.

“The Chinese Olympic committee has honoured Pakistan by including it among the 22 countries where the Olympic Flame will be received,” he added.

Yahya said the PSB and POA officials gave a detailed briefing to the visiting delegation highlighting the programmes being arranged to mark the presence of the Olympic Flame.

According to the programme given by the delegation, the Flame will reach Islamabad on April 16. —APP