Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been disqualified from running for the position of Chancellor at the University of Oxford. Despite being one of the prominent figures vying for the prestigious role, Khan’s name has been excluded from the final list of candidates.
A source from the university confirmed to Geo News that over 40 individuals applied for the role, with 38 being approved. Khan’s disqualification was reportedly based on the university’s exclusion criteria, which considers various factors such as legal and political standing. His disqualification stems from his criminal conviction and ongoing involvement in politics, which the university viewed as conflicting with the requirements of the Chancellor role.
The election has attracted a variety of notable figures, including former Conservative leader Lord William Hague, Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson, and Lady Elish Angiolini. While these candidates, along with others, continue in the race, Imran Khan remains the only candidate who has been disqualified.
Legal experts, including Hugh Southey, King’s Counsel at the prominent Matrix Chambers in London, opined that Khan’s criminal conviction likely played a significant role in his disqualification. Southey pointed out that Oxford’s Council Regulations, in line with Section 178 of the UK Charities Act 2011, impose strict criteria for positions like the Chancellor, including standards of honesty, transparency, and suitability. Khan’s conviction and ongoing political ambitions were cited as potential reasons he did not meet these criteria.
The University of Oxford clarified that all applications were reviewed based on four exclusion criteria outlined in its regulations. The first round of voting for the new Chancellor will take place during the week of October 28, 2024, with a second round scheduled for November.
Meanwhile, Khan’s international adviser, Zulfi Bukhari, expressed disappointment over the decision, noting that their campaign had generated significant attention for both Khan and Oxford University. Bukhari also confirmed hiring firms for political lobbying and legal support during Khan’s candidacy.
Oxford’s Pakistan Alumni Community had previously voiced concerns over the use of the university’s name for political purposes. They emphasized that the Chancellor election is an internal matter for the university and should be free from external political influences. Despite the disqualification, Khan’s team believes their efforts successfully brought international attention to his political struggles.
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