The recent announcement that Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is vying for the position of Chancellor at the University of Oxford has sparked significant discontent within the institution. The move has generated a wave of emails to the university administration, with many questioning Khan’s eligibility for the prestigious role.
According to a UK publication, there is growing resentment within the university community regarding Khan’s nomination. Concerns are being raised about his legal troubles, particularly the ongoing Al-Qadir Trust case in Pakistan, which some believe disqualifies him from holding such a high office.
Adding to the controversy, a petition has been filed against Khan’s candidacy by Khurram Butt, an overseas worker for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Butt’s petition highlights the Al-Qadir Trust case, urging the university to reconsider Khan’s nomination.
The election for the University of Oxford’s Chancellor is scheduled to take place on October 28. Should Khan win, it would mark his second time leading a British university, following his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of Bradford University in 2005. However, his tenure at Bradford was marred by criticism over his absence from graduation ceremonies, leading to his resignation in November 2014 due to “increasing political commitments.”
Imran Khan’s political career has seen similar turbulence. In April 2022, he was ousted as Prime Minister of Pakistan following a vote of no-confidence, an event he has attributed to interference by the country’s establishment.
Given Khan’s ongoing legal battles, political commitments, and current imprisonment, many within the University of Oxford believe his chances of securing the Chancellor’s position are slim. Adeel Malik, an associate professor at Oxford, remarked, “It may be far-fetched, but unless the British government intervenes or this becomes part of a political resolution to his issues, his chances of winning are slim.”
As the election date approaches, the university community remains divided, with Khan’s candidacy continuing to provoke debate and controversy.
Related: Imran Khan Confirms Candidacy for Oxford Chancellor
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