Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan plans to apply for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, according to Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs, who spoke to Geo News. Bukhari revealed that the role became available after Lord Patten, aged 80, stepped down following 21 years in the position.
Despite being in Adiala Jail on charges of corruption and incitement of violence related to last year’s elections, Khan, an Oxford alumnus, intends to run for the post. Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson are also contenders for the position.
Khan studied Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford, beginning in 1972, and captained the university’s cricket team. He made his Test cricket debut for Pakistan in 1971 and previously served as Chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014, according to Geo News.
Bukhari mentioned that there is significant public support for Khan’s candidacy. “We will announce it publicly once we get a go-ahead from Khan and start the signature campaign for it. He’s the most suited person right now for this post and we hope he will win the contest. We await approval from Khan and the campaign will begin,” Bukhari told Geo News.
The Chancellor of Oxford University is a ceremonial role responsible for presiding over significant events. The university has invited online applications for the position. The Chancellor is elected by Convocation, which includes all former students with a degree (excluding honorary ones), members of Congregation, and retired staff who were part of Congregation at the time of their retirement, as stated on the Oxford University website.
