Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has applied to become the next chancellor of Oxford University while he is in prison.
This move has sparked controversy and prompted the university to receive numerous concerns and a petition about his suitability for the role.
The university plans to announce a shortlist of candidates for the position in early October. Khan, who studied at Oxford in the 1970s, has stated that he wants to give back to the institution that helped him early in his career.
He emphasized his commitment to resilience, determination, and integrity despite current challenges.
The petition against Khan’s candidacy highlights troubling aspects of his past, including his past support for the Taliban and controversial comments about Osama bin Laden.
It also criticizes his remarks on women’s clothing and allegations of harassment by his supporters.
The petition questions his personal integrity, referencing his recent conviction in the Toshakhana case involving the illegal sale of state gifts.
It urges the university to consider whether his record aligns with its values of ethical leadership and human rights.
Khan, who previously served as chancellor of the University of Bradford, is competing against other high-profile candidates, including Lord William Hague and Lady Angiolini.
The final list of candidates will be announced next month, and over 250,000 Oxford alumni will vote in an online ballot later this year for the chancellor position, which carries a 10-year term.