A strong wave of support has emerged for Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in his bid for the chancellorship of Oxford University. Over 170 alumni, staff members, and current students have signed a petition backing his candidacy. Geo News reported that the university has acknowledged receipt of the petition.
The petition underscores Khan’s suitability for the esteemed role, highlighting his significant accomplishments and lifelong dedication to public service. It was organized by Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s international affairs adviser, and has garnered nearly 176 signatures from the university community.
Notable achievements cited in the petition include Khan’s leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 Cricket World Cup victory, founding the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Namal University, serving as chancellor of the University of Bradford for nine years, and implementing initiatives like the Ehsaas program and the Billion Tree Tsunami.
The petition states, “We, the undersigned members of the University of Oxford’s student and faculty community, as well as its global alumni network, support Imran Khan’s candidacy for Chancellor. He exemplifies the values that Oxford University upholds and has shown a lifelong commitment to public service, inspiring many students through his leadership.”
The signatories expressed confidence that Khan meets the Election Committee’s criteria despite concerns about his imprisonment. They pointed out that he is not a student or employee of Oxford, nor is he serving in any elected position, making him eligible to serve as a charity trustee. They contested claims labeling Khan as “unfit” due to his legal troubles, noting that he has not been convicted and that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed his imprisonment illegal.
The petition concluded with a call for the Election Committee to ensure that all eligible candidates, including Khan, are given the chance to participate in the election, which they believe would uphold democratic integrity.
This development follows a campaign against Khan’s candidacy by Khurram Butt, chairman of Youth Coordination Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) UK, who distributed leaflets and submitted a petition branding Khan as “unfit” for the role. The university’s Election Committee will evaluate the petitions and determine candidate eligibility ahead of the election, scheduled for late October during a convocation of Oxford members and graduates.
Imran Khan is an alumnus of Oxford University, graduating from Keble College in 1975 with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics, and he captained the university’s cricket team. He also served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014. Earlier in August, prominent figures, including Conservative peer Lord Daniel Hannan and independent MPs Shockat Adam and Adnan Hussain, expressed their support for Khan’s candidacy.
