Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi pronounced born (5 October 1952) is a Pakistani politician and former cricketer who served as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan from August 2018 until April 2022. He is the founder and former chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from 1996 to 2023.
Imran Khan Running for Oxford Chancellor from Prison the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is campaigning to become the Chancellor of Oxford University despite being imprisoned for over a year. Khan, who studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Keble College from 1972 to 1975 and captained the university’s cricket team, expressed his desire to “give back” to the institution that shaped his early years.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Khan stated that Oxford had a significant impact on his formative years. He emphasized his commitment to advocating for the university’s values, including diversity, equality, and inclusion, both in the UK and globally. He aims to bring resilience, determination, and integrity to the role of Chancellor, which he believes are qualities life has taught him, even when faced with adversity.
Khan’s candidacy comes as he serves a prison sentence on charges he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power. His entry into the race is considered unconventional, yet it has gained notable support. Lord Hannan, a Tory peer and former MEP, endorsed Khan, calling him a “towering figure in philanthropy, sport, and politics” and asserting that he would be an excellent Chancellor for Oxford.
The race to become the new Chancellor is highly competitive. Notable contenders include Lord Hague, the former UK Foreign Secretary; Lord Mandelson, a prominent Labour politician; and Lady Angiolini, a distinguished lawyer known for her role in the inquiry into the Sarah Everard case.
Khan’s campaign could draw global attention to his imprisonment and potentially pressure the Pakistan government and military leadership. The Oxford Chancellor is elected by the university’s alumni, with over 250,000 eligible to vote online later this year. The elected Chancellor will serve a 10-year term, supporting the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof Irene Tracey.
