- Geo News countered fake news with objectivity and facts: Sadiq Khan.
- The mayor-elect thanks Chief Minister Shehbaz and Minister Dar for congratulating him.
- The mayor of London calls on Muslims to fight Islamophobia.
LONDON: London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the excellent coverage of Geographic news of the London mayoral elections, crediting the channel with the fight against racism, Islamophobia and fake news.
In his first interview with any Pakistani broadcaster after his historic third term, Khan said that during the election count, people told him that they had seen his re-election campaign on Geographic news platforms.
The Labor incumbent won a historic third term at the polls last week, becoming the first London mayor to do so, with a majority of around 275,000 votes over his Conservative rival Susan Hall.
“There was a lot of hate and fake news about me in this election campaign. HE Geographic news It reaches people's bedrooms through all its means. It teaches people and makes them aware of the problems. When I went knocking on doors during the campaign, people told me what Geographic news was bothering,” Khan told this correspondent.
“It is very important in this era of fake news that we counter fake news. I want to thank the decent journalists who expose racism, hatred and Islamophobia. I am grateful for the support of your viewers and today I am the mayor of the city largest in the world,” he added.
Khan also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their posts on X, formerly Twitter, congratulating him on the victory.
“Congratulations to @SadiqKhan on completing the hat trick of becoming Mayor of London! The proud son of a British Pakistani worker has made all Pakistanis proud, not just his parents. Being elected Mayor of London for the third time is a testament to Sadiq Khan's ability and public service. I wish @SadiqKhan more success in the future!” the Prime Minister had written in X.
Meanwhile, FM Dar said: “Congratulations to @SadiqKhan on his re-election as Mayor of London. I wish him every success as he continues his march to serve the people of London with dedication and distinction!
Khan said he was aware that the prayers of millions of Pakistanis were with him.
“My family is originally from Pakistan. I am grateful and proud that Pakistanis were praying for me. The good thing is that Pakistanis in the UK supported me through fundraising, electioneering and campaigning.
“We are proud that our relationship is getting even stronger. We want to show the world that you can be of Pakistani origin, that you can be Muslim, law-abiding and a peaceful human being. There is a lot of anti-Pakistan prejudice, there is negativity about Pakistan, [and] that's dangerous. “I am grateful to all Londoners who prayed for me and voted for me,” she said.
Khan said Geographic news that first generation Asians, like his father, worked hard and allowed their children to be educated and successful.
“If we are successful today it is thanks to our parents who came from South Asia and worked so hard. We love our diversity. In London, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, Muslims and others live together and respect each other. We must remember that we are successful because we are united,” he stated.
Khan called on Muslims and Pakistanis to counter Islamophobia and intolerance by joining mainstream politics.
The mayor of London said he was aware that there is a lot of hate and prejudice against him on social media and that far-right groups hate him. He said the answer to combating these problems is to join mainstream politics and integrate.
“Do not be scared or intimidated. The far right wants to scare us, to dissuade us from mainstream politics. They want to tell us that we cannot become mayors, councilors and legislators. This is a deliberate strategy. Don't listen to We can become what we want. Watch , I am the mayor of London. If you work hard, you can become a doctor, a lawyer, a politician and a journalist.”
On Tuesday, Khan began his third term as London mayor with a promise to make the capital the best city in the world to grow up in and a tribute to his Pakistani parents, who faced hostility when they first arrived in Khan's now-city. as its mayor for a historic third term.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony at the Tate Modern, Khan outlined his position for the capital's young people and nightlife.
He told the audience about his Pakistani father, a bus driver, who faced racism and hatred. However, Khan said London was the greatest city in the world because just a generation later, the same city appointed him mayor and re-elected him three times.
“My father, a Pakistani bus driver, served in London. He was a proud Londoner. When he came here from Pakistan, he encountered signs in shops and guest houses saying 'No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs.'
“My father was not white. And yet, a generation later, thanks to the struggle and sacrifice of so many, his son, the son of immigrants of Pakistani origin, Asian heritage and Islamic faith, has been able to go from a southern council to London to estate to become mayor of the city he adored.
“And not only that, but he won re-election, not once but twice. And that is a reminder for everyone to know why London is special, the city of pluralism.”
Accompanied by his wife and two daughters, Khan added: “My name is Sadiq Khan and I am still the mayor of London.”
Khan said he wants to make free school meals permanent in London's state primary schools, fund more youth clubs and mental health support, as well as invest in high-quality tutoring.
The mayor said he was proud that his positivity campaign was able to overcome what he saw as divisive and dishonest Conservative tactics.
“We had a Conservative candidate whose campaign was extremely negative, someone who was spreading misinformation, false information and lies, so we had to respond and refute that at the same time as trying to present a positive vision for our city – a fairer city, London. greener and safer. “I'm really proud that this city has rewarded that positive campaign and rejected the conservative campaign,” he concluded.
