The University of Oxford has come under fire, facing a wave of criticism that includes angry emails and a petition, following the announcement by Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, that he intends to run for the position of chancellor from his prison cell in Pakistan.
Concerns have been raised regarding Khan’s candidacy, particularly in light of his past support for the Taliban and his criminal conviction.
According to the Daily Mail, the university has received feedback expressing serious reservations about Khan’s suitability for the role.
A petition opposing his candidacy states, “While Mr. Khan is a well-known figure, there are significant issues in his public and personal history that require careful scrutiny.”
It further highlights, “Mr. Imran Khan has frequently expressed views and taken actions that align with extremist groups, particularly the Taliban.”
On August 25, Khan confirmed his intention to run for Oxford’s new chancellor.
“Oxford University played a pivotal role in shaping my early years,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “I am committed to giving back to the world the resilience, determination, and integrity that life has taught me, even in the face of overwhelming odds.”
The former Prime Minister and cricketer expressed his desire to “give back” to the university he attended 50 years ago.
Despite having been imprisoned for over a year on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated, Khan aims to replace the current chancellor, Tory peer Lord Patten, who is 80.
Khan has previously sparked controversy by suggesting that the Taliban should have been allowed to establish an office in Pakistan, a statement that drew significant backlash. He also reportedly referred to them as freedom fighters during the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.
The petition submitted to Oxford University also alleges that Khan supported Osama bin Laden, stating, “In a speech to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Mr. Khan controversially referred to Osama bin Laden as a ‘shaheed’ (martyr), a term that honored his death rather than condemned his actions as a global terrorist.”
Additionally, the petition criticized Khan for making statements that have been perceived as promoting misogynistic views.
The university has confirmed that the shortlist of candidates for the chancellor position will be announced in early October, with the election set for October 28. Around 250,000 alumni and former staff members will be eligible to vote online, and the new chancellor will serve a ten-year term.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
