July 24, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 20, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 23: Pakistani spectators can watch the Beijing Olympic Games and there are no major hurdles in getting a Chinese visa.

This was stated by an official of the Chinese embassy while talking to Dawn here on Wednesday.

“Giving visas to Pakistani citizens is not an issue. It will take us only four days to process the visa of an individual wishing to see the Olympic Games,” said the Chinese official.

Pakistan contingent will be participating in four disciplines, namely hockey, athletics, shooting and swimming at the Olympics scheduled to start on Aug 8. The contingent will be leaving for Beijing from here on July 31.

The official rejected any prior visa conditions for the Olympic Games. “There are no conditions for getting the visa,” the official clarified.

He added that the Pakistan visitors, after getting the visas smoothly, would only have to buy tickets and book rooms in hotels in China.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Olympic Association associate secretary Mohammad Yayha said, “Pakistani citizens who are visiting China for the Beijing Olympics should support their players.”

“Olympics is a mega event being held in the region, and the Pakistani citizens should appreciate the work done by the Chinese government and the people during their stay in the neighbouring country,” he concluded.—Sports Reporter