Olympic torch arrives in Pakistan amid security fears

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

ISLAMABAD (AFP) — The Olympic torch, symbol of the 2008 Games in Beijing, touched down in the Pakistani capital Islamabad amid heavy security early Wednesday on the first stop in its Asian leg of a world tour.

The flame arrived from Oman for what Pakistan's pro-China government hopes will be a peaceful relay, free of the protests by Tibet supporters and human rights activists that has marred much of its journey.

Pakistani authorities however drastically slashed the torch's route at the last minute, citing security fears sparked by an unprecedented wave of Al-Qaeda and Taliban suicide bombings in the past year.

The plane carrying the flame arrived at Chaklala military airbase outside Islamabad and was welcomed by dignitaries gathered on a red carpet, state...