Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is preparing to stand for election as Chancellor of Oxford University, despite currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in Pakistan.
This sudden declaration became made public by using The Telegraph.
Despite his incarceration, Khan intends to engage in the election via online voting.
The chancellorship has become to be had following the resignation of eighty-year-vintage Lord Patten, who held the position for 21 years and previously served as the Governor of Hong Kong and Chairman of the Conservative Party.
This 12-month election represents an extraordinary change because it will be the inaugural example of the Chancellor’s choice being carried out online, moving away from the conventional necessity for graduates to don complete academic regalia.
The chancellorship is generally provided to university alumni in popularity in their contributions, regularly conferred upon politicians and esteemed people.
Khan is currently incarcerated on charges of inciting protests and violence against the Pakistan military on May 9 of the previous year, which he strongly denies.
In 1972, Khan undertook studies in Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford. He made his Test debut for Pakistan in 1971 and also captained the Oxford University cricket team.
Additionally, Khan served as Chancellor at Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
“Imran Khan will contest for the chancellorship of Oxford University due to public demand for his candidacy,” stated Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on international media, to The Telegraph.
“We plan to make a public announcement once we receive Khan’s approval and initiate a signature campaign,” Bukhari added.
This development has generated considerable interest and discussion both within Pakistan and internationally, underscoring the unique interplay of academia, politics, and the legal challenges encountered by a prominent political figure.
The outcome of this election will be closely observed, as it may set a precedent for how institutions address the participation of individuals with complex legal and political circumstances.
