King Charles knights London Mayor Sadiq Khan for outstanding public service

In a prestigious honor, Britain’s King Charles knighted London Mayor Muhammad Sadiq Khan, recognising his outstanding contribution to public service. This recognition came after Khan's third consecutive victory as London Mayor.

Sadiq, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, said it was the honor of his life to serve the city he loved and that he was “truly humbled” to have been made a knight.

"I couldn’t have dreamed when growing up on a council estate in south London that I would one day be mayor of London. It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love, and I will continue to build the fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London that all of the capital’s communities deserve,” The News quoted Sadiq Khan. 

Born to Pakistani parents, Sadiq worked as a human rights lawyer before joining Parliament as MP for his town in 2005.

In 2016, he became the first Muslim Mayor of a major Western city by defeating Conservative Zac Goldsmith and remained victorious in two subsequent terms.

The knighthood of Khan, the first Muslim mayor of London, has drawn some controversy.

A petition against his selection had been organised by Conservative councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, who challenged Khan on the issue at a public event earlier this month when speculation arose, indicating that he could receive the honour.