Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, boasts of becoming the first British Politician to cross Indo-Pak border in the recent history. His visit to India and Pakistan is a part of London Is Open campaign which aims at conveying the message that city welcomes the foreigners and promotes the diversity even after Brexit.
Here are the highlights of Sadiq Khan’s visit to Pakistan and India
Meet and Greet with Bollywood Celebrities
B-town also reportedly organized a ceremony to honor Sadiq Khan. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar, Sridevi, Sachin Tendulkar, Alia Bhatt, Jaqueline Fernandez and Kareena Kapoor graced the event. It seems that Sadiq Khan is much aware of Bollywood movies obsession with London.
A Visit to Memorial Site of Jallianwala Massacre
On the last day of his visit to India, Sadiq Khan also visited the memorial site of Jallianwala Massacre in Amritsar. He expressed his sentiments in visitors’ book by stating that incident was an unforgettable tragedy and British Government should apologize for it. Such bold statement on behalf of London’s Mayor has also called for the criticism of conservative British.
Crossing of Indo-Pak Border
During his visit, Mayor of London also made history while crossing the only open border between India and Pakistan on foot. He entered through Wagah border where the mayor of Lahore Colonel (Retd) Mubashar Javaid welcomed him with other government officials.
Drawing the Analogies between London and Lahore
Mayor of Lahore hosted a cultural event at Alhamra, to honor Sadiq Khan. The guest remarked that London and Lahore are similar as they have culture embedded in their DNA. Due to this similarity, there is a firm connection that keeps the cities glued together. While speaking at an event, Sadiq Khan also acknowledged that many successful professionals in London that include scientists, teachers, doctors, and businesspersons are Pakistanis. In Lahore, he also met with celebrities and people from various walks of life.
He also visited the iconic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and appreciated the serenity of this historic place of worship.
A Visit to Karachi
Mayor of London is also set to visit Karachi where he will meet with government officials and leaders of political parties including PPP (Pakistan People’s Party). He will also attend an exhibition match at British Consulate.
Background of London is Open Campaign
Sadiq Khan launched London is Open campaign with a motive to promote the diversity in the city. He wanted to assure 10 million foreigners living in London that city embraces them. They can have a chance to be creative, promote their entrepreneurial ventures and make a difference with their ideas. Sadiq Khan’s move is a response to a referendum on British separation from EU that concluded in favor of Brexit. The fundamental objective of this campaign is to convince the world that London’s policies are still pro-diversity. Immigrants don’t face any threats of expulsions.
