ISLAMABAD (PEN) : London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been awarded a knighthood by King Charles III in recognition of his public service, marking a significant milestone in his journey from a working-class background to one of the most influential roles in British politics.
Historic Recognition for a Groundbreaking Leader
Khan, 53, made history in 2016 when he became the first Muslim mayor of London. The trained human rights lawyer, raised on a council estate in Tooting, South London, is the son of Pakistani immigrants — his father a bus driver and his mother a seamstress.
On receiving the knighthood, Khan described the moment as “truly humbling” for both himself and his family. “Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never imagined I’d one day receive this great honor while serving as Mayor,” he said in a post on social media platform X.
He added, “It’s a truly humbling moment for myself & my family, & one I hope inspires others to believe in the opportunities our great capital offers.”
Symbol of Opportunity and Multiculturalism
Khan’s political journey has often been highlighted as a reflection of London’s inclusive values. In his own words, he credited his success to “the London promise: if you work hard, and get a helping hand, you can achieve anything.”
His knighthood comes after securing a rare third term in office last year, further cementing his standing in the political landscape.
Champion of Progressive Causes
Throughout his tenure, Khan has been a vocal advocate for progressive issues such as climate action, affordable housing, and social inclusion. Despite regular confrontations with national Conservative leaders, he continues to maintain strong public support in one of the world’s most diverse cities.
In 2018, Khan was honored by Pakistan with the Sitara-e-Pakistan — the country’s third-highest civilian award — in recognition of his efforts to promote UK-Pakistan ties and foster inter-community harmony.
A Continuing Commitment
In his statement, Khan reaffirmed his dedication to public service, saying, “I’ll forever be honored to serve the city I love – & will continue to do all I can to build a fairer, safer, greener London for everyone.”
The knighthood serves not only as recognition of his personal achievements but also as a symbol of the opportunities available in modern Britain for those from all walks of life.
