Imran Khan’s Candidacy for Oxford University Chancellor Faces Opposition
A petition has been filed urging the University of Oxford to reconsider former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s candidacy for the position of Chancellor, accusing him of using the post for political gain and highlighting various controversies from his political career.
Petition Filed by PML-N Activist
The petition, led by Khurram Butt, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) activist based in the UK, alleges that Imran Khan is seeking to use his run for the Chancellor position as a platform for political and personal purposes. The petition criticizes Khan’s motives, stating he does not prioritize the welfare of the university and aims to gain political mileage through media coverage of the election.
Butt, in his announcement, stated that he visited Oxford University to distribute leaflets and submit the petition, providing new evidence to support his claims. He urged the university to avoid becoming embroiled in political controversies.
Allegations of Corruption and Scandals
The petition outlines numerous controversies involving Imran Khan, including his alleged role in corruption both in Pakistan and the UK. One of the key cases cited is the £190 million settlement between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and a Pakistani tycoon, where Khan’s administration is accused of reversing a decision to return the funds to Pakistan, opting instead to return them to the tycoon in exchange for personal gains.
The petition also mentions a Financial Times report alleging illegal foreign funding received by Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), from discredited businessman Arif Naqvi. The report claims that millions of dollars were sent to Khan’s party through Wootton Cricket Club.
Misogyny and Controversial Public Statements
In addition to financial allegations, the petition highlights Khan’s controversial public remarks. It references his infamous statement suggesting that women’s clothing is responsible for sexual assaults, portraying Khan as a “rape apologist” and an “incorrigible misogynist.”
The petition also recalls his comments after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, in which he stated that the country had “broken the shackles of slavery,” a remark perceived as supportive of the Taliban’s regime. The petition argues that these statements conflict with Oxford University’s values of education, human rights, and critical thinking.
Previous Resignation as Chancellor of Bradford University
Butt noted in his petition that Khan had previously resigned from his role as Chancellor of Bradford University in 2014, following a student threat to bring a vote of no confidence against him due to his lack of engagement with university matters. He argued that Khan’s current political commitments would make it impossible for him to fulfill his obligations as Oxford University’s Chancellor.
Family Corruption Investigations
The petition also mentions investigations into other members of Imran Khan’s family, including his wife Bushra Imran, his sister Dr. Uzma Khan, and his brother-in-law Ahad Majeed, for alleged involvement in corrupt practices. It accuses Khan and his family of misappropriating donations meant for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, with funds allegedly invested in speculative property ventures in the UAE, leading to heavy losses.
Conclusion: A Call to Reject Imran Khan’s Candidacy
The petition concludes by urging Oxford University’s Election Committee to withdraw Imran Khan’s candidacy for Chancellor, arguing that his actions and public statements are incompatible with the university’s core values of integrity, academic excellence, and progressive ideals. The petition warns that electing Khan would risk damaging the institution’s reputation and aligning it with corruption and problematic ideologies.