UK: After Sadiq Khan's win in London, the internet points out hypocrisy on Pakistan's part

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Some pointed out how the majority of Pakistanis may not even have investigated Sadiq Khan's politics, preferring to focus solely on his roots

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn Pakistan
By Dawn Staff | May 7, 2016

Thes question is being asked: would he have achieved this kind of success in Pakistan?

When news broke last night that Sadiq Khan has been elected London's first Muslim mayor, celebrations began the world over — most notably in Pakistan, where Sadiq Khan's family originates from.

Khan, a former human rights lawyer and Labour government minister, is the son of a Pakistani immigrant who came to Britain in the 1960s. Though his father worked as a bus driver, he wanted something better for his children.

Sadiq Khan's extraordinary rise to prominence in politics has been hailed as an inspiration to immigrants everywhere. Pakistanis have been quick to highlight his religion and also his Pakistani roots. Pakistani TV channels and newspapers (including this publication) ran stories that stressed his background and social media buzzed with congratulatory messages. This is the freshest instance of our tendency to embrace the success of anyone of Pakistani origin, from pop sensation Zayn Malik to boxer Amir Khan, as our own.

At the same time, several people pointed out how Sadiq Khan's success in England would've been very hard to replicate in a Pakistani context.

Commentators stressed that Pakistan's political establishment is plagued by a damaging elitism

Some asked whether a man from Sadiq Khan's background could ever 'make it' in Pakistani politics

In this criticism, some seemed to be referring to Sadiq Khan's stance on issues like gay marriage

Some pointed out how the majority of Pakistanis may not even have investigated Sadiq Khan's politics, preferring to focus solely on his roots

The question resounding all across social media was this:

Some people saw no impact to Pakistan from Sadiq Khan's election

However, it is still worth noting that Sadiq Khan's win serves as an important symbol for minorities across the world: that they, too, can aspire to high politic offices in the hope of making a difference.

Some commentators hoped this win would serve as a lesson for Pakistan

And made clear that we don't lose anything by congratulating Sadiq Khan on his win

Some asked whether getting upset about hypocrisy in Pakistan... mattered

And the debate continues online.




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