Pakistanis react to London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s victory

Soon after he won, Sadiq Khan, the newly elected mayor of London, appreciated his voters for choosing “hope over fear.”

Thank you.
Today was an amazing victory for hope over fear and for unity over division.https://t.co/yFk1VPL3AA

— Sadiq Khan MP (@SadiqKhan) May 7, 2016

And while it is true Pakistanis across the globe are rejoicing over Sadiq Khan’s victory in the 2016 mayoral race of London, some of them took to Twitter to call out the “hypocrisy,” as they say, of Pakistanis when it comes to protecting their own country’s minority.
Renowned columnist and activist Bina Shah writes:

Pakistani: Sadiq Khan won!
Reporter: So you’d vote for a minority immigrant son of a bus driver as Mayor of Karachi?
Pakistani: Are you mad?

— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) May 6, 2016

Other Twitter users said:

Every Pakistani wants to celebrate Sadiq Khan in London, but no one will vote for a Sadiq Khan in Pakistan. Democratic Hypocrisy Vigil!

— Saroor Ijaz (@Saroorification) May 7, 2016

I have a dream: Muslims of Pakistan will treat the people of other faiths, the same way Londoners treated @SadiqKhan #UMaySayIamAdreamer

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) May 7, 2016

In contrast, the international community praised Londoners for defying the norms, breaking stereotypes and rejecting Islamophobia.

Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan congratulated Sadiq Khan for becoming the first Muslim mayor of London.

In a tweet on May 6, she said London is a city where people from all backgrounds, cultures and religions live. Sadiq Khan’s election is a great example for the youth of London, she added.

Congratulations to @sadiqkhan-1st Muslim Mayor of London- a city for all cultures, backgrounds & religions. A great example to young Muslims

— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) May 6, 2016

Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth appreciated Londoners for breaking away from the “ugly Islamophobia trend.” He said:

Hat’s off to London for bucking the ugly Islamophobia trend. https://t.co/U930oht2e7 pic.twitter.com/m0QcWkZaQJ

— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) May 7, 2016

British parliamentarian Mathew Pennycook also hailed residents of London for “rejecting politics of division.”

So pleased for @SadiqKhan and so proud of our city for rejecting the politics of division #LondonMayor2016 pic.twitter.com/XghX45uYyI

— Matthew Pennycook MP (@mtpennycook) May 7, 2016