London Mayor Sadiq Khan arrived today in Pakistan accompanied by a 16-member UK business leaders delegation on a three-day official visit.
Lahore Mayor Colonel (retd) Mubashir received the delegation at Wagah border, Lahore and gave them a warm welcome.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Khan through his official Twitter account and also held a meeting with him at his office.
Khan will later visit Badshahi mosque whereas a dinner will also be arranged in his honour.
This is the first visit of mayor of London to Pakistan and India. He begun his six-day trade mission to the neighbouring countries by visiting India on December 3 where he stopover in Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar.
Sadiq Khan is the first London’s mayor to visit both India and Pakistan to promote business and cultural ties between the two countries and the capital.
“As someone whose grandparents were born in India, and whose parents moved to London from Pakistan, I feel a deep affinity for the subcontinent,” the Mayor said in a press statement.
“But what excites me most about this trip is that I know it can deliver real benefits for Londoners. Benefits in terms of business and trade, jobs and investment, and in terms of cultural and technological exchange.”
Khan is here to spread the message that London is open to those who're looking to work, visit or study following the EU referendum.
“I am passionate about showing that my city will always be open to engaging with partners from around the world,” the Mayor said.