New Delhi: Jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan is set to run for the position of chancellor at Oxford University and Pakistanis are both assured and worried— assured of his win and worried that the ruling government will ban Oxford University in case the PTI founder wins.
The news of his nomination—first reported by UK tabloid Evening Standard in February—was shared by The Telegraph recently. Khan is currently serving a 10-year jail sentence and will run for the position from behind bars.
The position became available when 80-year-old Lord Patten resigned after serving in the role for 21 years, The Telegraph reported.
Oxford University defines the chancellor’s role as primarily ceremonial, typically held by a distinguished alumnus elected for life, overseeing all major university events. For the first time, the election process for selecting a new chancellor will be conducted online, enabling the university’s vast convocation of 3,50,000 members to actively participate, the report stated.
Khan who studied Economics and Politics at Oxford’s Keble College in 1972 and led the university’s cricket team, has confirmed his candidacy. He made his debut in Pakistan’s Test cricket team in 1971.
He has previously served as chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
Other candidates include former PMs Tony Blair and Boris Johnson.
Khan’s advisor on international media, Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, reportedly confirmed the decision, highlighting significant public support for Khan’s involvement.
“We will publicly announce his candidacy once we receive confirmation from Khan and initiate a signature campaign in support,” Bukhari stated.
‘Globally recognised brand’
Pakistanis are assured of his win. They’re cheering for their Kaptaan and are calling him the King of Pakistan.
A retired govt servant, Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera called him ‘the only globally recognized brand’ and tweeted: “Leave the sordid Pakistani domestic politics aside, can anyone else in Pakistan, I mean anyone, even contemplate getting such a coveted position!”
“Best of luck, Imran Khan! One of Oxford’s and Pakistan’s most decorated sons. Do Pakistan proud again. Hit another six for political freedom,” an X user wrote.
PTI too did not remain far behind in hyping their leader.
“Local Media may not show Imran Khan’s picture or even mention his name, but International Media is full of Imran Khan news. InshaAllah, he will be elected Chancellor of Oxford University, we will lead the campaign!” Jibran Ilyas, the social media head for PTI wrote.
Not everyone was so celebratory and one person said he was not fit to be even “a street counselor of Pakistan (sic)”.
Reddit users, on the other hand, had different concerns.
“Imran winning the chancellor elections would be another sprinkle of salt on the wounds of his enemies”, one user wrote, while another said: “If he wins (I wish) the govt will pass a resolution to ban Oxford University.”
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)