Imran Khan to run for chancellor of Oxford University

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is set to contest for the position of chancellor at the prestigious Oxford University despite being currently in jail.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, who stepped down after 21 years in the role. Oxford University describes the chancellor’s role as a ceremonial head, typically an eminent public figure elected for life, presiding over all major ceremonies.

The election process for the new chancellor will be conducted online for the first time, allowing the university’s 350,000-strong convocation to participate.

Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on international media, confirmed the candidacy, citing public demand for Khan’s participation.

“We will announce it publicly once we get a go-ahead from Khan and start the signature campaign for it.,“ Bukhari said. “He’s the most suited person right now for this post and we hope he will win the contest.”

Imran Khan is currently imprisoned on charges of inciting protests and violence against the military in May 9 last year.

In a recent interview from jail, Khan stated, “I am confined in a 7ft by 8ft death cell, typically reserved for terrorists. People voted for me because they are fed up with the current system and how Pakistan is being run.”

Khan, who studied Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford in 1972, also captained the university’s cricket team. He debuted for Pakistan’s Test cricket team in 1971 and served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.

This will be the first time the chancellor elections will be held online, instead of the traditional process requiring graduates to attend in full academic dress.

The position typically goes to university graduates, often politicians. Khan faces competition from former British prime ministers, Tony Blair, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.