Islamabad, August 19— Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has officially entered the race for the prestigious position of Chancellor at Oxford University. Despite currently being incarcerated, Khan's nomination papers were submitted on his behalf by members of his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PTI leader Zulfiqar Bukhari announced the submission on the social media platform X on Sunday, stating, "His application for the 2024 chancellor election of Oxford University has been submitted as per Imran Khan's instructions. We look forward to everyone's support for a historic campaign."
Imran Khan, an alumnus of Oxford University, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, previously served as the Chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.
Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi's northeastern Garrison town, is facing multiple legal challenges and is seeking bail in several cases. Despite the legal battles, he has maintained that all charges against him are baseless and politically motivated.
The election for the Chancellor of Oxford University is determined by members of the Convocation, which includes all graduates of the university. To qualify as a candidate, one must be nominated by at least two members of Convocation. The online ballot for the election is scheduled to take place in the third week of the autumn term, beginning on October 28, 2024, according to the university’s official website.
Historically, the role of Chancellor at Oxford University has been held by prominent political figures, with the most recent chancellor being Chris Patten, the 159th person to hold the office since the position was established in 1224.
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