He has also condemned physical violence against Salman Rushdie calling it “terrible and sad” although he did indicated a nuanced position where he disapproves of Rushdie’s work and is now backing off.Khan’s labeling of Salman Rushdie as a “blasphemer” was a purely political move, similar to his “35 punctures” claim.
He later condemned the attack on Salman Rushdie because Zac Goldsmith, during Khan’s mayoral campaign, urged him to align with “British values.”