Jailed Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Reportedly Running for Oxford University Chancellor

Photo : ANI

Islamabad, Pakistan: In an unexpected turn of events, Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to apply for the post of Oxford University Chancellor. Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan's adviser on international affairs, confirmed this to Geo News, a Pakistan-based media outlet, on Thursday. The Chancellor’s post at Oxford became vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, who stepped down after an impressive 21 years of service.

Imran Khan, an alumnus of Oxford University, is determined to run for the prestigious position despite his current incarceration in Adiala Jail. He is facing several charges, including corruption and incitement of violence following the elections last year. Despite these legal battles, Khan is positioning himself against notable contenders, including former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson.

Khan's connection to Oxford dates back to 1972 when he studied Economics and Politics at Keble College. During his time at the university, he also captained the cricket team, showcasing his leadership qualities early on. His illustrious career in cricket began even earlier, with his debut for Pakistan’s Test cricket team in 1971. Additionally, Khan served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014, adding to his credentials for the Oxford role.

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Sayed Zulfi Bukhari emphasized the public's demand for Khan's candidature, stating, "There is a significant public demand for Imran Khan to run for this post. We will make an official announcement once we receive Khan's approval and then start the signature campaign. He is the most suited person for this position right now, and we are optimistic about his chances of winning the contest."

The Chancellor of Oxford University serves as a ceremonial head, presiding over important university events. The role is highly esteemed and involves engagement with the university’s alumni and broader academic community. According to Oxford University's website, the Chancellor is elected by Convocation, a body comprising all former students who have been admitted to a degree, members of Congregation, and retired staff who were members of Congregation at the time of their retirement.

As the situation unfolds, the campaign for Imran Khan's candidacy is poised to draw significant attention, both within Pakistan and internationally. The prospect of a former Prime Minister running for such a prestigious academic post while in jail adds a unique twist to the already intriguing political narrative surrounding Imran Khan. The world will be watching closely as events progress and the signature campaign kicks off, pending Khan's formal approval.