Imran Khan should explain why he supported Zac Goldsmith: Sadiq Khan

LONDON (Staff Report) - London's first Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan has questioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on why he backed Zac Goldsmith during the London Mayoral elections, which concluded last month.

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Talking to The News, the 45-year-old mayor disclosed various facets of his personal and professional career.

He asked Imran Khan to clarify why he blatantly supported his opponent, Zac Goldsmith, adding that Imran Khan was his sporting hero.

Sadiq Khan said he had multiple identities and that he was proud of all his identities including his Pakistani origin and Muslim faith.

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He said: “Currently, Pakistan's reputation is not so good. My opponents told people that I’m from Pakistan, that I'm a Muslim. The interesting thing is that I admitted all this myself: Yes! I am from Pakistan. Yes! I'm a Muslim - but I have policies, values and ideas to be the best mayor. And I'll be a mayor for all of London, whether the people are Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs or Hindus, Buddhists or atheists, I'll still be your mayor.”

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Talking further he expressed that his family is in Pakistan and he was proud of it. He said that it was unfortunate that the reputation of Islam was not good currently, but expressed hope that it could be improved by showing the world that Muslims are peaceful. Sadiq also clarified that he is a practicing Muslim and observes Ramadan.

Sadiq also took aim at the presumptive Republican nominee for president Donald Trump for his hate against Muslims. The London mayor said Donald Trump was an ignorant man who needed to broaden his horizons and understanding of Islam.

“I say Trump is an idiot. He doesn’t understand Islam, and it is our duty to make him understand that this is not what Muslims or Islam is about. And in America there are Americans who are Muslims working and living peacefully.” he said.