News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th July 2024
Imran Khan, the Oxford-educated former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is preparing to run for the prestigious position of Chancellor at his alma mater, Oxford University, despite being imprisoned in Pakistan. According to media reports and his close aide, Khan plans to participate in the election via an online ballot.
Since August 2023, Khan, now 71, has been serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted in several cases, with the most severe sentence extending up to nine years. The founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party and Pakistan’s Prime Minister from August 2018 to April 2022, Khan has maintained a significant public profile despite his incarceration.
Khan’s connection to Oxford University dates back to 1972 when he pursued studies in Economics and Politics at Keble College. His achievements extend beyond academia; he made his Test debut for Pakistan in cricket in 1971 and also captained the cricket team at Oxford University. In 2005, Khan was appointed Chancellor of Bradford University, a position he held until 2014.
Recent reports from The Telegraph highlight that Khan will be running for the role of Oxford University’s Chancellor from his prison cell, with the election process being conducted online for the first time. This innovative approach will allow Oxford’s extensive convocation, numbering around 350,000 graduates, to participate in the voting process.
Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on international affairs, confirmed the development. He noted that the decision to run for Chancellor was driven by public demand. Traditionally, the election of the Chancellor required graduates to be physically present in academic dress, but this year’s shift to an online format marks a significant departure from the norm.
The position of Chancellor at Oxford University is a ceremonial role typically held by a distinguished public figure who serves for life and presides over major ceremonies. The role recently became vacant following the resignation of Lord Patten, who stepped down after 21 years in the position.
While Khan’s candidacy has generated considerable interest, he faces competition from other notable figures, including former British Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Despite the high-profile nature of the election, there has been no official confirmation from Khan or his PTI party regarding the campaign specifics.
The inclusion of Khan in the running for Chancellor reflects both his enduring influence and the evolving nature of university elections. His potential election would be a remarkable testament to his enduring connection with Oxford and his significant impact in both political and academic spheres. The online voting process introduces a modern twist to a traditionally formal election, potentially broadening participation and engagement among the university’s global alumni.
