Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), intends to apply for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, despite serving a ten-year prison sentence. The chancellor’s position became available after the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, who stepped down after 21 years, according to The Telegraph.
Oxford University describes the chancellor’s role as a ceremonial one, typically held by a distinguished public figure elected for life, who presides over major ceremonies. This year, for the first time, the election will be conducted online, allowing Oxford’s 350,000-strong convocation to vote.
Khan is currently imprisoned on charges of inciting protests and violence against the military in May of the previous year, which he denies. In a recent interview from prison, Khan criticized his conditions, stating, “I am confined in a 7ft by 8ft death cell, typically reserved for terrorists. People voted for me because they are fed up with the current system and how Pakistan is being run.”
Khan, who studied Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford in 1972 and captained the university’s cricket team, previously served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
Syed Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s advisor on international media, confirmed the candidacy and mentioned that they would announce it publicly once they receive Khan’s approval and start the signature campaign.
