Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has expressed interest in becoming the next chancellor of Oxford University, despite his current imprisonment and numerous pending court cases. Khan’s candidacy is seen as a long shot, particularly given the competition from other high-profile candidates, including former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, as well as author J.K. Rowling.
Khan’s imprisonment has been a subject of international controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the charges against him. The United Nations human rights working group has deemed his detention “arbitrary and in violation of international law.” Khan’s supporters claim that he was imprisoned to prevent him from participating in the February 2024 election, which his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), performed well in despite a government order removing the party logo from the ballots.
Despite the challenges he faces, Khan’s candidacy for chancellor of Oxford University is not entirely implausible. The position does not require British citizenship or a degree from the university, and the election is determined by a vote of the Oxford Convocation, which comprises around 350,000 graduates. Khan does have a connection to Oxford, having studied economics and politics at Keble College in the 1970s and captained the university’s cricket team. He then went on to fame and fortune as a star cricket player before entering politics.
Khan’s experience as a university chancellor is also notable, having served in that capacity for Bradford University from 2005 to 2014. His adviser, Syed Zulfi Bukhari, has announced that Khan will contest for the position, citing public demand and promising to launch a signature campaign once Khan gives the green light.
The election for chancellor of Oxford University is set to take place in 2024, with the Oxford Convocation holding its first online vote for the position. The current chancellor, Lord Christopher Francis Patten, has resigned after 21 years in the role, paving the way for a new candidate to take the helm.
