Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan will apply for the position of chancellor at Oxford University. Authorities have incarcerated him on corruption charges and for inciting violence during the May 9 protests last year. Moreover, this election depicts the increasing popularity of the former prime minister.
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, plans to run for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, despite being in jail. He is currently imprisoned due to corruption charges and allegations of inciting violence during protests in May last year. Imran’s adviser, Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, announced this news, mentioning that there is public demand for Imran’s participation.
The Chancellor seat at Oxford University is vacant after Lord Patten, who held the position for 21 years, stepped down. Other candidates for the role include former Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson.
Imran Khan, who studied at Oxford and captained the university’s cricket team, has garnered support from his followers as a suitable candidate for the ceremonial role. The university will hold the election online, allowing 350,000 alumni to vote.
The Significance Of The Position
The Chancellor of Oxford University is a ceremonial head who presides over important events. The university invited online applications.
The Chancellor is elected by Convocation, a body made up of all former students of the University. They have been admitted to a degree (other than an honorary degree), members of the Congregation, and retired staff, who were members of the Congregation at retirement, the Oxford University website stated.
Imran is currently in a prison cell, which he described as harsh, but he remains hopeful about his chances in the election. His supporters are preparing to start a campaign for his candidacy once they receive his approval.
Imran’s imprisonment has drawn international attention, with the UN stating that his detention lacks a legal basis. At a recent event in the House of Lords, UK Parliament members called for his immediate release, criticizing the erosion of democratic norms in Pakistan.
The election for the new Chancellor at Oxford University will be a notable event. Imran Khan faces strong competition but retains significant support from his followers.