Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister who has been imprisoned for over a year, is now aiming for a new role—Oxford University chancellor. His adviser confirmed on X that Khan submitted his application just before the deadline on Sunday night.
The former cricket superstar, who studied philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at Oxford’s Keble College in 1972, is already an honorary fellow of the college. Despite his incarceration, Khan appears determined to pursue this prestigious position at his alma mater.
The University of Oxford has remained tight-lipped about Khan’s application and will not disclose the candidates for the chancellorship until early October. Voting is scheduled to take place online on 28th October. Traditionally, candidates for the role must be nominated by 50 members of the University’s Convocation.
The chancellor of Oxford University holds a largely ceremonial role, elected by graduates who have had their degrees conferred and are registered to vote, along with members of the university’s congregations, including academic staff. To be eligible, candidates cannot be current students, university employees, or hold any political office.
The current chancellor, Christopher Patten, has held the position since 2003. Patten, 80, is a distinguished figure, having served as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997 and as chairman of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1992.
Imran Khan’s path to this potential new role is unusual, given his current circumstances. He was jailed on 5th August for failing to properly declare the sale of state gifts, leading to several legal cases against him. Although many of these charges have since been dropped, the 71-year-old remains behind bars, facing fresh legal challenges. A United Nations panel has declared his detention arbitrary, but Khan continues to be held in prison.
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