London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that he is proud of the contribution made to the city by Britons of Pakistani descent.
In an interview here over weekend about his upcoming visit to South Asia, he said that he would spend three days in Pakistan.
The politician of Pakistani descent – both his parents were originally from Karachi – would be the first mayor of London to visit both India and Pakistan as he looks to promote closer ties between the two countries and the capitals.
He has announced a six-day tour, visiting Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, and Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar.
Khan said that British Pakistanis made London the greatest city in the world.
“I want to spread the message when I go to Pakistan and India,” he added. “I am already proud of the contribution made to our great city (by) British Pakistanis.”
Khan is of the view that London will remain open to the investment and international students despite the UK’s decision to leave European Union (EU).
“This is really important mission as there are so many areas in which London can work with its counterparts (in) India and Pakistan. Not only in business but in tackling some of the biggest challenges we all face, such as air pollution and climate change,” he said.
Khan said: “My visit to the Subcontinent will show that London is open to talent, open to partnership, open to business, open to study, and above all open to embrace multiculturalism.”
“I will also remind everyone I meet that London will always be a city full of opportunity and one that embraces people of different nationalities, faiths and backgrounds,” he added.
“And that as the Mayor of London I am doing everything within my power to make London as warm, welcoming and accessible to Indian and Pakistani students, business people and entrepreneurs as possible.”
Khan will seek strengthening Pakistan and India’s ties with London given its growing importance to the UK’s tech scene – the top sector for both South Asian countries.
He is expected to meet top business executives as well as prominent figures.
The volume of bilateral trade between the UK and Pakistan is valued at £2bn.




Related Story