Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has set his eyes on becoming the next Chancellor of Oxford University, even from behind bars. Reports indicated his application was made public by his advisor, Syed Zulfi Bukhari, stating Khan remains hopeful for support amid his legal troubles.
Khan, now 71, has quite the history with Oxford, where he studied politics, philosophy, and economics at Keble College. He was also captain of the university's cricket team, showcasing his legacy as both an athlete and scholar during the 1970s.
He held the chancellorship at Bradford University from 2005 to 2014, gaining valuable administrative experience. Now, he is leveraging recent changes at Oxford University enabling online nominations and voting to facilitate his candidacy.
The role of Chancellor is primarily ceremonial, yet significant, as the position oversees the committee selecting the university's Vice-Chancellor. Current Chancellor Chris Patten, who has held office since 2003, announced his intention to retire, opening the door for new candidates.
Khan’s political career remains turbulent after his ousting as Prime Minister through a no-confidence vote back in April 2022. Following his removal, he has faced multiple charges, leading to his arrest on allegations of fraud related to state treasury assets.
Despite his imprisonment, Khan continues to exert considerable influence not just within Pakistan, but also internationally. His bid reflects his attempt to reclaim his standing, unrestrained by geographical barriers - at least virtually.
Traditionally, Oxford's selection for Chancellor required candidates to be physically present and to vote onsite. The university's recent adaptation to online facilitation means graduates and staff can partake remotely, paving the way for Khan's participation.
The upcoming election, set for October, will allow voting from October 28, strictly limited to Oxford alumni and academic staff. This broader accessibility could shift the dynamics of the election, potentially altering who emerges victorious.
Other noteworthy candidates also include former Scottish Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini, and Margaret Casely-Hayford, ex-chair of Shakespeare’s Globe. While the current political climate within Pakistan casts shadows on Khan's candidacy, his compelling background and connections to Oxford might resonate with voters.
Khan's story intertwines sports, politics, and education — first as cricket legend, then as Prime Minister, and now as a hopeful candidate for university leadership. His past successes juxtaposed with present challenges create both intrigue and optimism about his potential comeback.
Legal battles continue to cloud his name with over 150 registered cases against him, yet Khan remains appealing to many who identify with his narrative of resilience. His application to Oxford's leadership could serve as more than just personal redemption; it may symbolize hope for his supporters.
Addressing the legal issues may take time, with appeals and trials still being navigated, yet this does not seem to dampen Khan's ambitions. The global community will observe the progression of his candidacy, reflecting the broader challenges faced by leaders under duress.
Only time will tell how the outcome will influence both his future and the existing power dynamics within Pakistani politics and beyond. Candidates await their names to be confirmed, with all eyes set on the final list expected to drop early October.
