I am thankful to Pakistan for its hospitality: London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Sadiq visited Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's mausoleum as part of his London is Open campaign

KARACHI: London’s first Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is on a goodwill visit to promote his ‘London is Open’ campaign arrived in Karachi late Thursday night.

Addressing the media after his visit to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's mausoleum, Sadiq said, "I feel honoured to be in Karachi, I am thankful to Pakistan for its hospitality." Conveying his campaign's message to the people of the host country, Sadiq said, "London is open for everyone.



"London is home to people from all walks of life - Hindus, Muslims, people of every colour and ethnicity."

In a tweet, Khan said it was a privilege to pay respects at the Quaid's Mausoleum. "Muhammad Ali Jinnah founded a nation, championed democracy, justice and women's and minority rights. He continues to inspire millions in Pakistan and around the world today. It was a privilege to visit Mazar-e-Quaid to pay my respects at his final resting place."

Muhammad Ali Jinnah founded a nation, championed democracy, justice and women's and minority rights. He continues to inspire millions in Pakistan and around the world today. It was a privilege to visit Mazar-e-Quaid to pay my respects at his final resting place pic.twitter.com/6gBZxy8ab6

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) December 8, 2017

The Mayor will be speaking at an event at Habib University while a reception has been organised by the chief minister's house later in the day.

PHOTO: @MayorofLondon

Sadiq, who won London’s mayoral elections in May last year after defeating multi-billionaire Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith, arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a three-day official visit. He reached Lahore with his 16-member delegation through the Wagah Border.

On his arrival in Lahore, he was received by Lahore Lord Mayor Col (retd) Mubashir Javed and senior government officials. Talking to media on the occasion, he said Pakistani-British men and women had made great contributions in making London the greatest city in the world.



“London is open for partnership, business and trade. It is the city that welcomes you in many ways,” he added. For Sadiq, the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore had arranged a special tour of Badshahi Mosque and other historical places. He was also presented a guard of honour at Iqbal’s mausoleum.