Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, recently saw his aspirations to become the Chancellor of Oxford University unfulfilled.
The official list of nominees for Oxford University’s Chancellor position has been released, excluding Khan’s name. The role of Chancellor at Oxford is traditionally ceremonial and symbolic, attracting candidates from various prominent backgrounds.
The notable candidates are former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, acclaimed British architect Sir Norman Foster, and distinguished lawyer Barrister Peter Craig.
Zulfi Bukhari, a PTI leader, revealed in a discussion with Geo News that the campaign for Khan’s nomination involved hiring lobbying firms. He explained that these firms were engaged to handle media relations and campaign strategies, emphasizing that the efforts were funded independently without public money. Bukhari further highlighted plans to engage European experts as the campaign progresses.
Legal commentary from Matrix Chambers clarified that, based on Oxford University’s regulations, Imran Khan does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Chancellorship, primarily due to his criminal convictions. Senior legal expert Hugh Southey supported this view, pointing out that Khan’s criminal record disqualifies him from holding the position.