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London Mayor Sadiq Khan is in Pakistan to promote ‘London is Open’ campaign
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The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been warmly welcomed by Pakistanis on his ongoing goodwill tour to Pakistan to promote ‘London is Open‘ campaign.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, son of a Pakistani bus driver who got elected last year, defeating UK’s billionaire Zac Goldsmith in Mayor London race.
After reaching Pakistan, Government of Pakistan welcomed Sadiq Khan using official twitter account:
London Mayor Sadiq Khan arrives in #Pakistan on an official visit through #Wagah Border.He was received by Lahore Mayor Colonel (retd) Mubashir at the Border. He is scheduled to spend three days in Pakistan and will travel to Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. pic.twitter.com/HEmooP5XQr
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) December 6, 2017
He entered Pakistan through Pak-India Wagah Border where Mayor of Lahore Colonel (retd) Mubashir welcomed him. The Mayor became the first Western politician of his generation to make the journey between the two countries on foot.
From the beauty of India to the vibrancy of Pakistan – today I crossed the border on foot – becoming the first British politician to make this journey in recent history. 🇮🇳🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/H997lC6hbE
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 6, 2017
Sadiq Khan is the first London’s mayor to visit both India and Pakistan to promote business and cultural ties between the two countries and the capital. He is scheduled to meet senior politician’s as well key figures from the Pakistan’s cultural and financial sectors.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif reacted on social media after meeting London’s Mayor and his delegation:
It was a pleasure to host Mayor of London @SadiqKhan (who speaks Urdu really well) & his delegation in Lahore. Had a thorough discussion on promoting trade and investment between our two countries. The UK-Pakistan partnership continues to deepen with passage of time. pic.twitter.com/y9hRGrwkK2
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 6, 2017
According to sources, Shahbaz and Sadiq discussed bilateral ties. Welcoming the London mayor, Shehbaz reportedly said the visit will enhance business activities between the two countries.
He assured that “despite Brexit, London will always remain open to the world and open to business and talent from Pakistan.”
Sadiq Khan also toured the historical city of Lahore on first day visiting the Badshahi Mosque and paid tribute at the tomb of Allama Iqbal in the old city.
British High Commissioner Thomas Drew accompanied him during his city tour and shared these photos on Twitter:
A warm welcome to Pakistan to Mayor of London @SadiqKhan. Here in Lahore’s beautiful Badshahi Mosque. Connecting two great cities. pic.twitter.com/IhT3UXcB88
— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) December 6, 2017
The main purpose of Mayor’s visit is to forge closer ties with the Pakistani business community and focus on meeting the young, up-and-coming generation who will play a key role in the ongoing development of the country.
Bilateral trade between the UK and Pakistan is valued at £2.5bn and only two cities in the world provide more investment in Pakistan than London.
While talking to media earlier Sadiq Khan said that British Pakistanis made London the greatest city in the world.
“I’m proud to be the first-ever Mayor of London to be making an official visit to Pakistan. As someone of Pakistani heritage, I feel a deep affinity with the country and I’m looking forward to going back” Sadiq Khan pronounced in his recent article published in Dawn newspaper.
“I believe London and Pakistan’s cities can speed up innovation, boost economic growth and development, and tackle some of the major challenges we both face — from air pollution and climate change, to good growth and jobs.”
Earlier in India, Sadiq Khan met Indian business community and some Bollywood biggies including Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachan, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt among others.