The former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned, has applied to become the next chancellor of the prestigious University of Oxford, according to his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The application was “formally submitted” by Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, Khan’s spokesperson in London.
Khan, who has been unlawfully incarcerated for over a year, remains committed to his principles and the causes he advocates for, as stated in a message from the PTI on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Bukhari told AFP that Khan himself instructed the submission of the application, which will now be assessed.
“This is a ceremonial position, but one that carries great prestige and significance. Imran Khan, being one of the most recognized names from Oxford, would make an excellent chancellor,” Bukhari said. If Khan were to be elected, he would become the first chancellor of Asian descent, representing a significant achievement not only for Pakistan but for all of Asia and the world, he added.
Khan’s application follows the announcement in February by Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, that he would step down as chancellor of the university. According to the University of Oxford’s website, the list of candidates for the 10-year term will not be published until October, when the voting will also take place.
Khan graduated from the University of Oxford in 1975 with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). He later led a life as a playboy while being one of Pakistan’s most prominent cricket players, often featured in British tabloids. He has been married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith. Additionally, he served as the chancellor of the University of Bradford from 2005 to 2014 before transitioning to philanthropy and politics, eventually becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022.
Khan was removed from office in 2022 after losing a no-confidence vote and has since launched a comeback campaign, criticizing Pakistan’s powerful military, which had previously supported him. However, he was imprisoned in August of last year and recently marked one year in jail on various charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence. Khan has claimed that these allegations are politically motivated and aimed at keeping him away from power.