Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to contest the Chancellor’s election of Oxford University and he officially filed his nomination papers on 18th August.
Imran Khans’ candidacy for Oxford University chancellor was announced by former prime minister’s close associate Zufil Bukhari.
The Role of Oxford University Chancellor
The Chancellor of Oxford University is a ceremonial position, carrying no salary or benefits. The role, however, is significant, involving the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, presiding over major university events, fundraising, and representing the university on a local, national, and international level. Essentially, the Chancellor acts as a global ambassador for the university.
Importantly, candidates for the Chancellor position do not need to reside in the UK, but they must attend key university events, for which travel expenses are covered by the university.
Election Process
The election of a new Chancellor at Oxford University involves the formation of a ‘Chancellor Election Committee’ by the university council. This committee is responsible for overseeing the election process according to the rules and regulations, without attempting to influence the outcome.
Imran Khan’s ability to participate in this election was made possible due to a recent amendment in the voting system. The change allows Oxford alumni and current or former staff members, collectively referred to as the ‘Convocation’, to cast their votes online. Previously, personal attendance was required for both candidates and voters.
This amendment opens the door for over 250,000 eligible voters worldwide to participate in the election. The final list of candidates will be published in October, and voting is set to commence on October 28th. If there are fewer than ten candidates, the election will consist of a single round. However, if the number of candidates exceeds ten, a second round will begin on November 18th.
It is important to note that current students, university employees, and those running for political office are not eligible to participate in this election.
The Legacy of the Current Chancellor
The position of Oxford University Chancellor was previously held by Christopher Francis Patten, who served from 2003 until his resignation on July 31st, 2023. Lord Patten, who is 80 years old, was the last Governor of Hong Kong and a former Chairman of the British Conservative Party.
Imran Khan’s Oxford Connection
Imran Khan enrolled at Oxford University’s Keble College in 1972 and graduated in 1975 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). During his time at Oxford, he also gained fame on the cricket field, earning several accolades for the university. Notably, Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s future Prime Minister, was also studying at Oxford during this period, and the two reportedly shared a friendship.
At 71 years old, Imran Khan is one of five Pakistanis listed in Oxford University’s prestigious ‘Famous Oxonians’ list, a roll of honor that includes graduates who have made significant global contributions. Other notable Pakistanis on this list include Pakistan’s first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, former Prime Ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, and former President Farooq Ahmed Leghari.
The list also features 28 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international leaders, 55 Nobel Laureates, and 120 Olympic medalists, all of whom have either studied or taught at Oxford.
Previous Experience as Chancellor
Imran Khan previously served as the Chancellor of the University of Bradford in the UK from December 2005 to November 2014. During his eight-year tenure, he laid the foundation stone for the university’s new Institute of Cancer Therapeutics. This institute has maintained close ties with Khan’s Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre in Pakistan.
Upon Khan’s resignation, Professor Brian Cantor, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, praised Khan’s contributions, stating, “He has been an outstanding ambassador for the University and a great role model for our students.”
As the election process unfolds, all eyes will be on how Imran Khan’s candidacy progresses and whether he can leverage his global stature and deep ties to Oxford to secure the prestigious role of Chancellor.