KARACHI: Oxford University has a long history of upholding the highest standards of leadership, ethical behaviour, and respect for human rights — seems at odds with Imran Khan’s public and personal record. The university has confirmed the shortlist of candidates for the chancellor position will be announced in early October. The contest is set for October 28 with 250,000 alumni and former staff set to vote online. The new chancellor will serve a ten-year term. 

However, the University has received angry emails and a petition after Imran Khan revealed plans to run for chancellor from his prison cell in Pakistan. The former prime minister and cricketer, 71, said he wanted to ‘give back’ to the university, where he studied 50 years ago. He will stand to replace Tory peer Lord Patten, 80, despite having been in jail for more than a year on corruption charges he says are politically motivated.

According to British media; the university has received concerns about Khan's candidacy, pointing to his previous support for the Taliban and his conviction. Khan confirmed he was running to be Oxford’s new chancellor on August 25. ‘Oxford University helped me a lot in my formative years,’ he told The Daily Telegraph. 

‘As chancellor, I would passionately advocate for Oxford, championing its values of diversity, equality and inclusion, both in the UK and abroad. I am committed to giving back to the world the resilience, determination and integrity that life has taught me, even when the odds are stacked against me.’

But the university has received responses which raise concerns about his candidacy. A petition set up in opposition of Khan says 'While Khan is a prominent figure, there are significant aspects of his public and personal record that are deeply troubling and deserve careful consideration'.

‘Imran Khan has frequently expressed views and taken actions that align with extremist elements, particularly the Taliban,' it said. Khan previously proposed allowing the Taliban to set up an office in Pakistan which sparked widespread backlash. He also reportedly called them freedom fighters when the US was present in Afghanistan. 

The petition sent to Oxford University claims the former cricketer also supported Osama Bin Laden. In a speech to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Khan controversially referred to Osama bin Laden as a ‘Shaheed’ (martyr), a term that honors his death rather than condemning his actions as a global terrorist,' it states. Khan has made numerous statements that have drawn criticism for promoting misogynistic views. 'He has repeatedly blamed women’s clothing for incidents of rape, claiming that ‘if a woman wears very few clothes, it will have an impact on men unless they’re robots’. Such remarks shift the blame away from the perpetrators and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women.' 

Those fighting against Khan's candidacy say his supporters have harassed and attacked critics online. This use of social media to silence critics and discredit accusers reflects a disturbing pattern of behaviour that raises serious questions about Khan’s respect for women’s rights and personal integrity,' the petition stated. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 31 2024

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