The winter Olympics in Beijing were off to a flying start on Friday despite diplomatic boycotts by countries like Canada, Australia, America, as well as the United Kingdom, for China’s continued abuses of human rights. However, it seemed Pakistan's contingent was entirely focused on building diplomatic ties, with a high level delegation attending the opening ceremony. Pakistan only managed to send one athlete to the games, alpine skier Muhammad Karim, as opposed to its seven ministers and one prime minister.

This is a step down from the last winter games, where at least two athletes including Karim participated.

And Pakistani Twitter was definitely not going to let this go.

Some jokingly suggested we only need one athlete because our prime minister is also an athlete,

Others pointed to how we do not treat our sports personalities right, which definitely impacts those who may want to play for Pakistan,

While others just hung their heads in shame, wondering how the prime minister, being a sportsperson, was comfortable taking a one athlete strong contingent.

Whatever the case maybe, Pakistan’s heavy diplomatic ensemble clearly shows the prime minister’s desire to strengthen ties with China while moving away from Washington. Khan will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as Prime Minister Li Keqiang during his four day trip.