Chris Patten, the current Chancellor of Oxford University, announced in February that he would be stepping down.
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 a statement from his party.
Khan’s application was formally submitted through Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesperson for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, as reported on platform X.
Despite being unlawfully detained for over a year, Khan remains steadfast in his principles and the causes he supports,” PTI stated in a post on Sunday.
Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, speaking to AFP, noted, “Imran Khan had directed that his application for the position be submitted, and now it will undergo the necessary scrutiny.”
Bukhari emphasized, “Although it is a ceremonial role, it carries significant prestige and importance. Imran Khan, being a prominent Oxford alumnus, would be an exceptional choice for Chancellor.”
He also highlighted the historic significance, stating, “If Khan were to be appointed Chancellor, he would be the first person of Asian descent to hold the position. This would be a remarkable achievement not only for Pakistan but for Asia and the world at large.”
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s national hero and former Prime Minister, founder and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), cricketing legend, philanthropist, and Oxford alumnus, is vying for the role of Chancellor of Oxford University.