Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is out of the race for the Chancellor position at Oxford University. Some saw his attempt to contest Oxford Chancellor from jail as a move to gain international attention. The race next includes other high-profile candidates, leaving Khan out of the competition.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bid to become the chancellor of the University of Oxford has been rejected, his adviser revealed. Khan, who has been in prison since 2023, had applied for the largely ceremonial role in September. However, the university recently released a shortlist of 38 candidates for the Oxford Chancellor position, and Khan’s name was absent.
Oxford University did not comment on individual candidates but stated that applicants must meet certain legal and ethical criteria, including not being disqualified as a charity trustee. Khan’s adviser, Sayed Bukhari, expressed disappointment, calling the decision “extremely unfortunate”. He also suggested it was a missed opportunity for the university. Bukhari also requested an explanation from Oxford regarding Khan’s exclusion.
Khan, a former cricket star and graduate of Oxford’s Keble College, has been an influential figure in both sports and politics. However, his recent legal troubles, including allegations of corruption and incitement of violence, have overshadowed his political career. Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claim that political motives drive the charges.
Missed Opportunity For Whom?
Earlier that month, Imran Khan said it would be an honor for Pakistan if he were elected chancellor of Oxford University. Speaking to the media from Adiala Jail, Khan expressed that even if he did not win the chancellorship, it would not diminish his accomplishments.
“No one in the history of cricket in Pakistan has reached the level I have. I have undertaken the most charitable work in Pakistan, including the construction of two hospitals, and two universities, with a third university still under construction,” he remarked.
Voting for Oxford’s next chancellor begins later this month, with prominent figures like former UK Conservative leader Lord Hague among the contenders. Lord Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, held the role for over two decades.
