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The Pakistan Olympic Association has urged broadcasters using state TV coverage of the torch to avoid “negative comments” and make “no mention” of the conflict in Tibet.
Pakistan has strong and long-standing defense and economic links with China. Both are rivals of neighboring India. Musharraf is expected to return from a six-day official trip to China in time for the torch ceremony.
There have been no indications that rights groups are planning to repeat in Pakistan their protests against China, which disrupted torch relays in Paris, London and San Francisco.
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) received confirmed information that, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, a former political prisoner who spent five years in prison for his religious activities and for conducting a long life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama in October 1999, passed away on 5 April 2008 in Kardze after a prolong battle with multiple illnesses following a lengthy imprisonment and maltreatment in the prison.
As per the earlier information received by the TCHRD, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, popularly known as Kardze Geshe, was in poor health for the long period of time since his release from Chuandong no. 3 Prison in Tazhu County in October 2004. Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, 57 year-old, was a hugely popular religious figure particularly in Kardze. Since his release from prison in October 2004, Geshe Sonam Phuntsok was put under virtual house arrest as movements outside his residence were severely restricted that Geshe has to seek official permission even for any medical treatment. His activities particularly in religious spheres were under constant surveillance from the authorities.
TCHRD mourns the death of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, a popular religious figure of Kardze and considers his untimely demise as a direct result of the lengthy imprisonment, maltreatment in the prison and lack of timely medical attention after release along with constant mental harassment that he has to undergone till his last breath.
Pakistan is a close ally of China, which is a major arms supplier and investor.
Pakistan has changed the venue for its Olympic torch run for to security reasons, an official said on Tuesday, though anti-China protests were not expected as the torch begins its tour of Asia.
The torch will arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday on the first leg of its relay in Asia, as it makes its way to the Games in Beijing in August.
“As such there’s no threat but, obviously, because of the overall security environment, we didn’t want to take a chance,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Baseer Haider, a spokesman for the Pakistan Olympic Association.
The Olympic association had hoped to hold a torch run along Islamabad’s main boulevard in front of parliament, but the event will now be held inside a nearby sports stadium.
“We selected the sport complex because it’s manageable as the Met Office has also forecast thunderstorms and showers on Wednesday,” Haider said.
