Jailed Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Bids for Oxford’s Chancellor Role

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has taken a bold step despite his current imprisonment by applying to become the next Chancellor of the University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. This move has been confirmed by his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which shared the news on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

An alumnus of Oxford, Khan’s application was formally submitted through Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, his London-based spokesperson. The PTI’s post emphasized that even after being “unlawfully incarcerated for over a year,” Khan remains unwavering in his commitment to his principles and the causes he has long championed.

In an interview with AFP, Bukhari highlighted the significance of Khan’s candidacy. “Imran Khan had given instructions that he would like to submit his application, and now the application scrutiny will take place,” Bukhari stated. He further elaborated on the symbolic importance of the role, describing it as “a ceremonial post but one with utmost prestige and importance.” Bukhari expressed optimism about Khan’s chances, noting that his stature as one of Oxford’s most prominent alumni would make his selection a remarkable achievement.

“If he does become the chancellor, he would be the first of Asian descent,” Bukhari added. “This would not only be a significant milestone for Pakistan but also for the entire Asian continent and the global community.”

The position of Chancellor at Oxford is currently vacant following the announcement earlier this year that Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, would be stepping down. According to the university’s website, the list of candidates for the 10-year term will be made public in October, with voting expected to occur at the end of that month.

Imran Khan’s ties to Oxford run deep. He graduated from the university in 1975 with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During his years in the UK, Khan gained a reputation as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricket players and became a regular fixture in British media, known for his glamorous lifestyle.

Khan’s personal life has also been the subject of much public interest. He has been married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith. His connection to academia is not new; he served as the Chancellor of the University of Bradford from 2005 until 2014.

Khan’s foray into politics saw him rise to the position of Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. His tenure ended in 2022 when he was ousted following a vote of no confidence. Undeterred, Khan launched a comeback campaign, criticizing Pakistan’s military establishment, which had previously supported him, and mobilized massive public demonstrations.

However, in August last year, Khan was imprisoned on a range of charges, including corruption and incitement to violence. He has consistently maintained that these charges are politically motivated and aimed at preventing his return to power.

As the selection process for Oxford’s next Chancellor unfolds, the world will be watching to see if Imran Khan, despite his legal battles, will ascend to one of the most prestigious academic posts globally.