Imran Khan out of Oxford chancellor race

Oxford University has announced its official list of approved candidates for the prestigious position of Chancellor. The roster includes nearly 40 individuals who have met the initial eligibility criteria for this esteemed ceremonial role.

Notably absent from the list is former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A screengrab of the official candidates' list displayed on the University of Oxford's website.Courtesy: University of Oxford

This development comes after weeks of speculation and debate surrounding Khan's controversial bid for the ceremonial yet highly symbolic role.

Oxford's search for a new chancellor

The first round of voting is scheduled for the week commencing October 28, with the top five candidates progressing to a second round in mid-November.

The University of Oxford was founded in 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions and is currently in the process of electing a new Chancellor.

This will be the first Chancellor election to take place on the Internet. At all previous elections, ballots need to be cast in person at Oxford.

Imran Khan's candidacy

Imran Khan submitted his papers for the Chancellor's position in August 2024. His candidacy immediately sparked intense discussion in both academic and political circles, given his high profile and controversial tenure as Pakistan's leader.

A day before the final candidates' list was announced with Khan’s name missing, Beltway Grid, a UK-based policy center, released a report titled "Imran Khan's Candidacy for Oxford Chancellor: Legal, Political, and Ethical Implications and the Potential Exit from Pakistani Politics."

Hugh Southey, King’s Counsel (a senior lawyer awarded distinction by the monarch) at Matrix Chambers in London, provided a legal opinion in the report, stating: "In my opinion, Mr. Khan is unlikely to be eligible to be a candidate in light of one of his criminal convictions."

The report referenced Oxford's Council Regulations and the UK Charities Act and noted that trustees of the university, including the Chancellor, must meet criteria related to integrity and legal compliance which Khan does not.

Beltway Grid's analysis pointed to Khan's recent conviction in the Toshakhana case as a potential obstacle, suggesting it might affect his standing under the 'fit and proper person' test used to evaluate trustee suitability.

Strategic exit from politics

Beltway Grid also suggested that Khan's bid for the Chancellorship might have been more than just an academic aspiration. Their research paper posits that this move could represent a strategic exit from Pakistan's volatile political arena.

"Khan's transition to a prestigious, albeit ceremonial, international role could offer him a graceful exit from the high-stakes world of Pakistani politics," the Beltway Grid report suggests. It further speculates on the potential involvement of Pakistan's military establishment in facilitating this exit, noting the strained relations between Khan and the country's powerful military apparatus.

‘Oxford University’s loss’

PTI leader Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, who submitted Imran’s nomination papers at the university, said “It’s extremely unfortunate that Oxford University has excluded Imran Khan’s name from the Oxford Chancellor Election. My lawyers have written to the university asking for their reasons. We had taken several lawyers & barristers opinion prior to his application. This is a loss for Oxford Uni to present it self as a global trend setting institution.”

In a post on X, a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, Daniel J Hannan stated he was disappointed that the university did not shortlist Imran Khan. “Quite apart from the fact that he is a political prisoner suffering from appalling human rights abuses, he is the former prime minister of a Commonwealth country.”

Other Pakistani candidates in the race

Khan is not the only Pakistani figure to have shown interest in the Chancellor position.

Among them is Sidra Aftab, an attorney from Lahore with “almost” eight years of experience in civil and criminal law. In her application, Aftab emphasized her belief in swift justice and collaborative teamwork. She expressed her view that the Chancellor's role, while symbolic, should promote equal opportunities and non-discrimination within the institution.

Another contender is Hasanat Ahmad, currently pursuing a doctorate in Applied Linguistics at Minhaj University Lahore. Ahmad's application cites his experience in teaching, administration, and admissions. He has offered to serve in an honorary capacity if selected for the position.

Aftab Ahmad Javaid Sheikh, a senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has also entered the race. Sheikh's application draws on his experiences from the 1970s, including his role as Vice President of a university student body. He holds master's degrees in History and Political Science and has practiced law since 1983.

Bilal Kashif, another Pakistani candidate, outlined a broad vision focusing on global education and social issues. He emphasized goals such as enhancing literacy rates, increasing access to digital education, and aligning with UK government policies. Concluding his statement, Kashif requested potential voters to "Be smiled."