Oxford University urged to reevaluate Imran Khan’s Chancellor Candidacy

Oxford urged to reconsider Imran Khan’s chancellor bid amid allegations of Taliban support.

The University of Oxford has faced criticism following Imran Khan’s announcement to run for chancellor from his prison cell in Pakistan.

The 71-year-old former prime minister and cricketer aims to succeed Tory peer Lord Patten in the role.Lord Patten, 80, was the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997 and chairman of the Conservative Party from 1990 to 1992.

The university has received responses raising concerns about Khan's candidacy. A petition opposing him highlights troubling aspects of his public and personal record. It points out that Khan has expressed views and taken actions aligning with extremist elements, notably the Taliban.

This includes his previous proposal to allow the Taliban to establish an office in Pakistan and his characterisation of them as freedom fighters during the US presence in Afghanistan, which provoked significant backlash.

The petition sent to Oxford University alleges that the former cricketer also supported Osama bin Laden. It specifically mentions that in a speech to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Khan controversially referred to bin Laden as a ‘shaheed’ (martyr), a term that honours his death rather than condemning him as a global terrorist.

The petition also criticises Khan over his statements about women and rape.

The university has confirmed that the shortlist of candidates for the chancellor position will be announced in early October.

The election will take place on October 28, with voting conducted online by 250,000 alumni and former staff. The new chancellor will serve a ten-year term.