Despite being currently held in custody, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is gearing up to compete for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University. This news comes during his detention over allegations of corruption and provocation of violence during the May 9 protests last year.
Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs, announced that the role of Chancellor at Oxford University became available after Lord Patten’s resignation following his 21-year tenure. Bukhari confirmed Khan’s candidacy, noting that he will contend for the role alongside other renowned figures such as former British Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson.
Imran Khan, an alumnus of Keble College, Oxford, where he majored in Economics and Politics and led the university’s cricket team, carries an esteemed academic and leadership background. He previously held the position of Chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
Bukhari emphasized the public demand for Khan’s candidacy, stating, “We will announce it publicly once we get a go-ahead from Khan and start the signature campaign for it. He’s the most suited person right now for this post, and we hope he will win the contest.”
The role of Chancellor at Oxford University is largely ceremonial, involving presiding over major university ceremonies. This election will be historic as it will be conducted online for the first time, allowing the university’s 350,000-strong convocation to participate remotely.
Khan’s candidacy arises during a challenging period, as he has been detained since August 2023 on charges of inciting violence against the military, allegations he has denied. In a recent interview from jail, Khan spoke about his confinement conditions and expressed his dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s current political landscape.
The competition for the new Chancellor will be intense, with Khan encountering high-profile rivals such as Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Bukhari expressed optimism about Khan’s chances, pending final approval from the candidate himself.
The announcement of Khan’s candidacy took place during an event in the House of Lords, where nearly two dozen UK Parliament members voiced their support for his release. The hearing addressed the erosion of democratic norms in Pakistan and Khan’s “illegal incarceration.”
This development marks a significant moment in both the academic and political realms, emphasizing the sustained international interest in Khan’s political and legal battles.
