The University of Oxford (OX) has released the official list of candidates for its upcoming Chancellor election, and contrary to recent speculations, the name of Imran Khan, the imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is notably absent.
The announcement comes after reports circulated suggesting Khan’s potential interest in vying for the ceremonial position, which stirred considerable controversy within the university community. Several members of Oxford’s alumni and academic networks had expressed concerns about his legal entanglements, particularly his involvement in the ongoing Al-Qadir Trust corruption case in Pakistan, which some argued made him unsuitable for the role.
The omission of Khan’s name from the final candidate list brings an end to weeks of debate. Previously, a petition was filed by Khurram Butt, an overseas member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), urging the university to bar Khan from consideration. Butt’s petition cited Khan’s legal troubles and emphasized the reputational risks for Oxford in associating with a figure facing corruption charges.
The Chancellor of Oxford serves as a ceremonial figurehead, presiding over key university events and acting as a global ambassador for the institution. This year’s election, which will take place online on October 28, marks the start of a new 10-year term for the incoming Chancellor under recently revised university statutes.
Khan previously served as Vice-Chancellor at Bradford University, but his tenure was criticized for frequent absences from graduation ceremonies. He resigned from the role in 2014, citing increased political commitments.
With Khan’s exclusion from the race, the focus now shifts to the remaining candidates as the university community prepares to elect a new figurehead for the prestigious institution. The election process will be conducted entirely online, enabling over 250,000 eligible alumni and staff worldwide to participate.
The outcome of the election will set the tone for Oxford’s leadership over the next decade, with the university seeking a Chancellor who can effectively navigate both ceremonial duties and the challenges of modern academia.