Video: NYC mayor Mamdani moved to tears by Lahore-born Pakistani woman

WEB DESK: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani became visibly emotional during a public outreach programme after an intimate and moving exchange with a resident left him struggling to hold back tears.

The moment unfolded at a civic forum titled “The Mayor Is Listening,” designed to allow direct interaction between the city’s leadership and local communities. Among the attendees was Samina, a woman of Pakistani origin who told the mayor she had migrated from Lahore. Before speaking, she apologised for her limited command of English, explaining that she had written down her thoughts in advance to ensure she could express herself clearly.

Addressing Mamdani, NYC’s first Muslim mayor, Samina praised his leadership style and compassion, saying it had helped rekindle a sense of hope during what she described as a deeply polarised time. She thanked him for leading with empathy and for encouraging kindness and understanding in public life, urging him to remain a source of strength and optimism for those feeling unheard or marginalised.

The conversation moved fluidly between English and Urdu, adding to its emotional depth. Mamdani responded in Urdu, warmly acknowledging her words. When Samina mentioned that she was from Lahore, the mayor appeared particularly affected, recalling a visit he had once made to the city. He described Lahore as beautiful and expressed gratitude for the connection they shared, pausing as he fought back tears.

The exchange resonated strongly with those present and prompted the mayor to briefly step back before continuing with his scheduled meetings. The encounter underscored the emotional weight of direct public engagement and illustrated how personal stories can transcend politics, forging genuine human connections between elected officials and the people they serve.

The moment quickly became a powerful reminder of the role empathy can play in leadership and governance.