Pakistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, currently imprisoned on various charges, has applied to become the next chancellor of the prestigious University of Oxford, according to his party.
Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, recently marked one year in prison on charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence—accusations he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power.
Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, confirmed the application, stating, “Imran Khan had given instructions to submit his application, and now the scrutiny process will begin.” He added, “While the post is largely ceremonial, it carries immense prestige, and given Khan’s prominence as an Oxford alumnus, it would be remarkable to see him as chancellor.”
The current chancellor, Conservative peer Chris Patten, who was the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced in February that he would be stepping down. The list of candidates for the 10-year term will be revealed in October, with voting scheduled for the end of the month, as per the university’s website.
Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975, having studied philosophy, politics, and economics. Before his political career, Khan was known for his playboy lifestyle and was frequently featured in Britain’s gossip magazines. He has been married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith, and later transitioned into philanthropy and politics.
As prime minister, Khan faced criticism from women’s rights groups for comments linking Pakistan’s high rates of sexual violence to women’s clothing. After being ousted in 2022, he launched a comeback campaign, criticizing Pakistan’s powerful military and drawing large crowds in his support.
“If he becomes chancellor, he would be the first of Asian descent to hold the position—a significant achievement not only for Pakistan but for all of Asia and the world,” Bukhari noted.
Other notable candidates for the chancellorship reportedly include former foreign secretary William Hague and former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, according to British media.
Source: AFP
