Israr Kakar, a student from Balochistan, has made history by becoming the third Pakistani who has been elected as president of Oxford Union.
He is not only the third Pakistani but also the first from Balochistan to hold this prestigious position of President at the Oxford Union.
Benazir Bhutto, in 1977, was the pioneer Pakistani to assume this role.
Israr originates from a small village in the Killa Abdullah district, nestled along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border within Balochistan.
The youngest of 13 siblings, he completed his primary education in his village before pursuing further studies in Abbottabad, Lahore, and the United States for his matriculation and intermediate education.
Israr graduated with LLB honors from the University of Aberdeen, earning distinction. He then pursued Bar at Law from Lincoln’s Inn on a fully-funded scholarship.
Currently enrolled in the DPhil program at the Law Department of the University of Oxford, Israr follows in the footsteps of his elder brother, who was also a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.
His election as President of the Oxford Union occurred on Saturday.
Israr expressed his gratitude to the members of the Oxford Union for their trust in him and to his team for their unwavering belief.
He emphasized the significance of his humble rural background, viewing it as a source of inspiration for aspiring youth.
Israr pledged to utilize this platform effectively, recognizing the considerable work ahead and his commitment to steering the Union towards a more inclusive and relevant path.
According to the Oxford Union’s official newspaper, Israr Khan secured the presidency for the Hilary Term 2024 with 617 first preferences, surpassing opponent Izzy Horrocks-Taylor’s 393 first preferences.
Notably, this margin is substantially wider than in previous elections, signifying a significant victory.
The elections also saw Rachel Haddad Moskalenko, Moosa Harraj, and Siddhant Nagrath elected as Librarian, Treasurer, and Secretary, respectively, marking the first time that all four officer positions will be held by individuals from BAME backgrounds.
Established in 1823, the Oxford Union ranks among Britain’s oldest university unions and one of the world’s most esteemed societies.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous distinguished speakers, including figures such as the Queen, President Reagan, and Mother Teresa.
Israr’s triumph represents a pivotal moment, underscoring the Union’s ongoing dedication to diversity and excellence.
As an active participant and organizer of debates at the Oxford Union, he has facilitated discussions featuring esteemed international figures like former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and prominent Pakistani personalities such as Malala Yousufzai, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa, and senior journalist Hamid Mir.