Islamabad-The route of Beijing Olympics Torch Relay through Pakistan was officially announced by Ambassador of China here Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhao Hui termed the April 16 Olympics Torch Relay as another manifestation of his country's "all- weather, close" relations with Pakistan.

He was speaking after President of Pakistan Olympic Association, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Arif Hasan, tiyed over-five kilometre route of the Torch Relay in Islamabad.

Hui said Pakistan was among 19 countries of the 256 UN member nations selected for Olympics Torch Relay which will be a global event as it will pass through five continents for the first time ever.

Islamabad, he said, was one of only 22 cities in the world chosen for the Relay as the Chinese people and government wanted their Pakistani brethren to share the Olympic spirit, based on the slogan "light the passion and share the dream".

Ambassador Hui said the "Dalai Lama" clique had tried to resort to "beating, looting and destruction of property" in Tibet but their attempts had failed. He said foreign reporters in Beijing had recently toured Lhasa (Tibet) and found normal conditions there.

He said Beijing Olympics would feature 36 events with 31 to ing Committee for the Olympics Torch Relay while a "Community Task Force" was led by himself (Arif). A number of working committees had also been formed.

After Pakistan, the Relay will leave for India.

Under the route plan, the Olympic torch will be lighted at the Old Parade Ground at Jinnah Avenue near Aiwan-Sadar and will then pass through Constitution Avenue boulevard, Suhrwardy Road, Serena Hotel, Kashmir Highway and then turn into Pakistan Sports Complex.

In Pakistan Sports Complex, the Relay will go round Jinnah Stadium before winding up at Liaquat Gymnasium where the final two-hour dazzling ceremony, embellished with folk music and acrobatics, will take place.

The whole Torch Relay, both during route and at the Liaquat Gymnasium, will last for nearly five hours and will be telecast live.-APP