Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Oxford University alumnus has applied to become the next chancellor of Oxford University, a prestigious ceremonial role. Khan, who has been jailed for over a year on various charges, is applying through his spokesperson, Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari.
Despite his incarceration, Khan remains committed to his values and causes. Bukhari expressed that Khan, one of Oxford’s most prominent alumni, would be a fitting candidate for the position due to his stature and popularity, especially as he could potentially become Oxford’s first chancellor of Asian descent.
Khan’s candidacy for the chancellor position comes after the current chancellor, Chris Patten, announced his decision to step down in February. Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, has served in the role for nearly two decades.
The list of candidates for the role of chancellor will be made public in October, and the voting is scheduled for the end of that month. As a graduate of Oxford, Khan’s academic background in philosophy, politics, and economics adds to his eligibility for the post.
Imran Khan
Khan’s legacy extends beyond academics; he is a national hero in Pakistan, known for his cricketing achievements, philanthropy, and political leadership. After graduating from Oxford in 1975, Khan gained widespread attention both as a celebrated cricket player and as a social figure, often featured in British gossip magazines. He also served as the chancellor of the University of Bradford from 2005 to 2014, which gives him prior experience in such roles.
In addition to his cricketing and academic accomplishments, Khan transitioned to politics and became Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022. However, his tenure as prime minister ended when he was ousted in a vote of confidence.
Since then, Khan has led a significant comeback campaign, rallying against Pakistan’s military establishment, which once supported him. His speeches and political influence drew massive public support, although he was eventually jailed on charges he claims are politically motivated.
Khan’s bid for Oxford’s chancellorship adds a new chapter to his multifaceted career, intertwining politics, sports, philanthropy, and academia. Should he be elected, his appointment would be historic, not just for Pakistan but for all of Asia, representing a significant achievement on a global scale. However, the outcome will be determined after the formal candidate list is released and voting takes place later in the year.
