Imran Khan seeks role as University of Oxford's next chancellor

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has officially entered the race for the position of Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Khan, an Oxford alumnus, has submitted his application for the role, which is largely ceremonial but carries significant prestige, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Khan has been in prison since August, facing legal battles that he claims are designed to prevent his return to power in the upcoming February elections. His spokesperson, Sayed Bukhari, announced the application on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “As per Imran Khan’s instructions, his application form to Oxford University Chancellor Election 2024 has been submitted. We look forward to everyone’s support for a historic campaign.”

The chancellor’s role, though ceremonial, is pivotal, involving presiding over important university ceremonies and undertaking advocacy, advisory, and fundraising work. It also serves as an ambassador for the university’s global reputation. Bukhari highlighted Khan’s notable connection to Oxford, stating, “It would be brilliant to see him as chancellor given his prominence as an Oxford graduate.”

Chris Patten, the previous chancellor and the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced his resignation in February. The university seeks candidates who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and can advance its academic mission.

The university will reveal the list of candidates for the 10-year term in October, with voting scheduled for the end of the month. Other notable candidates include Elish Angiolini, former Scottish solicitor general and principal of St Hugh’s College, as well as Oxford alumni William Hague, former Conservative leader, and Peter Mandelson, former Labour EU trade commissioner.

Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975, having studied philosophy, politics, and economics. He rose to prominence as a cricket star before transitioning into philanthropy and politics. His tenure as Pakistan’s prime minister lasted from 2018 until 2022, when he was removed in a no-confidence vote after a fallout with the military. Khan has since led a defiant campaign against the military, accusing it of orchestrating an assassination attempt against him.

A UN panel recently found that Khan’s detention lacked a legal basis and seemed intended to disqualify him from political office.

Oxford’s chancellor is elected by convocation, which includes all former students who have been admitted to a degree, members of the university's congregation, and some retired staff. The election will involve over 250,000 eligible voters who will cast their ballots online starting the week of October 28.