Imran Khan, the incarcerated former prime minister of Pakistan, has applied to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford, according to PTI.
Khan, who has just completed one year in prison on various charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence, claims these allegations are politically motivated attempts to prevent his return to power.
Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a PTI spokesman based in London, told AFP, “Imran Khan has instructed that he would like to submit his application, and it is now under scrutiny.” Bukhari added that while the chancellor’s role is largely ceremonial, it carries significant prestige. He believes it would be remarkable to see Khan, a well-known Oxford alumnus, in the position.
Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced his resignation as Oxford’s chancellor in February. The university’s website indicates that the list of candidates for the 10-year term will not be released until October, with voting scheduled for the end of the month.
Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975 with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics. Known for his high-profile lifestyle as a cricketer and his relationships with British socialites, including Jemima Goldsmith, he later shifted to philanthropy and politics. His tenure as prime minister was marked by controversy, including criticism from women’s rights groups over his comments linking sexual violence in Pakistan to women’s clothing.
Ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, Khan attempted a political comeback, criticizing the military and rallying large crowds. If elected chancellor, he would be the first person of Asian descent to hold the position, a significant achievement for Asia and the global community, according to Bukhari.
Other notable applicants and Oxford alumni include former foreign secretary William Hague and former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson. The Telegraph reported that despite his bid, Khan faces strong competition from high-profile candidates like former UK prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson.
