What Sadiq Khan’s victory means

Labour politician Sadiq Khan, the son of a bus driver, became the first Muslim mayor of a major western city, defeating a local billionaire aristocrat. Londoners have proven that the British system is transparent and ethical — possibly the best in the world. Sadiq Khan’s win and Prime Minister David Cameron’s parliamentary speech in response to the Panama leaks, are a testament to democracy in the UK. It is the world’s oldest democracy and a role model for developing countries like Pakistan. They did not vote for him because he is Muslim, but because they are rational and do not consider faith or ethnicity as relevant factors in politics. In Pakistan, however, democracy means something completely different. Here it is the democracy of the rich, by the rich and for the rich.

In Pakistan, democracy and religion are a means to power. Plunder and deceit are practised as an art and the aim is to make as much money as possible and be vicious to opponents. London’s new mayor has a Pakistani background, but the irony is that if this same secularist, non-orthodox Muslim was running in Pakistan, he would be getting death threats from everywhere. The victory of Sadiq Khan is the victory of secularism. The people of London and the government of the country ensure everyone equal opportunity to explore their fullest potential.

Khan came to prominence through maintaining a close liaison with the people. His rival Zac Goldsmith orchestrated and spearheaded a smear campaign against Khan whereby the latter has been portrayed as an associate of extremists. This didn’t fool the majority of Londoners, who rejected Goldsmith.

The election of Sadiq Khan is of vital significance for Pakistanis because he encourages those who believe in struggle. His election provides an opportunity to the deprived and dejected elements of society; in other words, if they struggle and do their work with honesty, then they could benefit a great deal. It is also a healthy sign for Pakistan as it will not only improve its image, but it will also provide it with the space and opportunity in the international arena to work towards global peace and progress. People like Sadiq Khan are role models and the youth of today must follow their footsteps in order to bring about a congenial and harmonious society that would stamp out extremism.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2016.