Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has submitted his Chancellorship Candidacy for the ceremonial position of Chancellor at Oxford University. However, his nomination has sparked significant controversy, with a surge of emails and a petition from concerned alumni addressing the university’s administration about his suitability for the role.
University sources have confirmed the receipt of multiple emails questioning Imran Khan’s past support for the Taliban and his involvement in various corruption cases. According to reports, Oxford University plans to announce the shortlist of candidates for the Chancellorship Candidacy in early October. Imran Khan has publicly stated from prison that his desire to pursue the Chancellorship Candidacy stems from his gratitude towards the university, which he claims helped shape his early years. He expressed a commitment to giving back, stating, “I am committed to giving back to the world the resilience, determination, and integrity that life has taught me, even when the odds are stacked against me.”
The petition submitted to Oxford highlights alarming aspects of Imran Khan’s record, specifically his controversial statements regarding the Taliban. Critics point out that Khan has previously referred to the Taliban as “freedom fighters” during the U.S. presence in Afghanistan and celebrated their return to power after the U.S. withdrawal, actions perceived as endorsements of extremist ideologies. The petition concerning Imran Khan’s Chancellorship Candidacy states that he has also controversially described Osama bin Laden as a “shaheed” (martyr) in a speech to Pakistan’s National Assembly, raising concerns about his respect for human rights and ethical governance.
Furthermore, the petition alleges that Imran Khan’s supporters have engaged in online harassment of critics, showcasing a troubling pattern of behavior that raises serious questions about his integrity and respect for women’s rights. His recent conviction in the Toshakhana case, which involved the illegal sale of state gifts, adds another layer of complexity to his Chancellorship Candidacy, prompting calls for careful consideration by the university.
The petition underscores that Oxford University has a long-standing commitment to upholding high standards of leadership, ethical conduct, and respect for human rights—values that appear to conflict with Imran Khan’s public and personal record. Imran Khan, a graduate of Keble College, Oxford, who studied philosophy, politics, and economics, is seeking to succeed Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, who resigned as chancellor in February.
The final list of candidates for the Chancellorship Candidacy will be announced in the coming month, with other notable figures like Lord William Hague, Lord Peter Mandelson, and Lady Angiolini also vying for the prestigious role. More than 250,000 Oxford alumni are expected to participate in an online vote later this year 2024, with the successful candidate set to serve a 10-year term alongside current Vice-Chancellor Prof. Irene Tracey.
