Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan has expressed his intent to contest for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, though he has yet to formally apply. Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on International Affairs, confirmed that Khan has approved the contest plan. However, Bukhari noted the challenges involved, primarily Khan’s current incarceration in Adiala Jail where he is serving a term for multiple charges.
A spokesman from the University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor’s office confirmed that Khan has not yet applied, but other candidates have submitted their nominations. The candidates for the Chancellor election will be announced in early October. The application deadline for the position is August 18, 2024.
If Khan’s candidacy is successful, it would be a historic moment for Oxford University. This comes shortly after Israr Kakar, an Oxford University student from Balochistan, won the Oxford Union Presidency, becoming the third Pakistani and the first person from Balochistan to achieve this honor.
Bukhari mentioned that Khan’s lawyers have been instructed to begin the necessary paperwork for the application. The Chancellor’s position became vacant after the resignation of Lord Patten, who stepped down after 21 years in the role. Other notable candidates for the Chancellor position include former UK Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, indicating a highly competitive race.
Imran Khan has a long history with Oxford University, having studied Economics and Politics at Keble College in 1972. He also captained the university’s cricket team. Khan made his debut for Pakistan’s Test cricket team in 1971 and served as the Chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
Oxford University describes the Chancellor’s role as a ceremonial head, typically an eminent public figure elected for life, presiding over all major ceremonies. This election will be conducted online for the first time in the University’s history, a significant departure from the traditional process that required graduates to attend in full academic dress. The electorate consists of approximately 250,000 eligible voters, mainly Oxford graduates, members of the congregation, and retired staff members.
Khan’s candidacy faces stiff competition from Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Those eligible to vote in the election include members of Convocation, which consists of Oxford graduates who have had their degree conferred, members of the congregation, and retired staff who were members of the congregation at the time of their retirement.
The University seeks candidates who can demonstrate outstanding achievements in their field and command respect beyond it, possess a deep appreciation for the University’s research and academic mission, understand its global community, and are committed to enhancing the University’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.
Israr Kakar, the Oxford Union President, highlighted the significance of Khan’s potential candidacy. He emphasized that this is a great opportunity for prominent Pakistani alumni to engage with the University and bring Pakistan into the spotlight. Despite the tough competition, Kakar noted that it would be a great honor for Pakistan to have such representation at Oxford University.
