ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to attend the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing scheduled to commence on February 4 despite Covid-19 scare.
While some of the western countries have observed boycott of the Beijing Olympics, the prime minister’s presence at the Beijing would be a clear signal that Pakistan stands by China through thick or thin.
The United States, Britain, Australia, and Canada have announced a diplomatic boycott of the event, while North Korea was the latest country to pull out, citing the pandemic.
Though athletes from around the world will travel to compete in the four-yearly event, no dignitaries from these western countries are expected to watch the games.
According to the sources, the Chinese government and the China Sports Authority are keenly looking forward to the prime minister’s presence at the opening or the closing ceremony, or during the event.
Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has already received an invitation.
“We have received an invite and have forwarded it to the foreign ministry through the official channel. We are in contact with the Chinese authorities,” the official at the PSB said.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Khalid Mansoor, a couple of days back, had revealed the prime minister’s plan to visit Beijing early next month.
It is likely that during his visit, the PM would also meet the Chinese leadership.
