Incarcerated former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan will run for the position of chancellor of Oxford University from Adiala Jail, British newspaper The Telegraph has quoted his advisor on international media, Syed Zulfi Bukhari, as saying.

Imran, himself an Oxford graduate, is currently in Adiala Jail in a fresh Toshakhana case that was lodged in the immediate aftermath of his and his wife Bushra Bibi’s acquittal in the Iddat case, which was the last of a number of faces he had fought and cleared over the last year before being nominated in new cases.

He was also nominated in a dozen new May 9 cases, although the Lahore High Court ended up giving him relief today by setting aside his physical remand in all the cases.

Despite there being no end in sight to his legal troubles and his immediate future set to be behind bars due to the state’s never-ending supply of cases against him, Imran has decided to throw his name in the hat for one of the most prestigious administrative positions in British academia.

“Imran Khan will contest for the chancellor of Oxford University as there is a public demand that he should contest,” adviser to PTI Chairman Imran Khan on international media Syed Zulfi Bukhari told The Telegraph.

“We will announce it publicly once we get a go-ahead from Khan and start the signature campaign for it,” he added.

The seat of chancellor of Oxford University is vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, the former governor of Hong Kong and Tory Party chairman, who held the post for 21 years, The Telegraph said in its report.

It said that this would be the first time the elections for the chancellor will be held online compared to the traditional process in which the graduates were required to attend the process in full academic dress.

Imran obtained a degree in Economics from Keble College in Oxford University.

The Telegraph said that before he decided to run as a chancellor for Oxford, Imran had served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 till 2014.

The newspaper downplayed Imran’s chances of winning given that many high ranking personnel — such as former UK prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson — are in the running.

Opinion

Editorial

Budgeting austerity
Updated 16 May, 2025

Budgeting austerity

The past policy of squeezing salaried classes and fully documented corporations to collect taxes will not work any longer.
A ‘new’ Syria
16 May, 2025

A ‘new’ Syria

THE American embrace of the post-Assad Syrian regime is complete, with President Donald Trump meeting the Arab...
Business of begging
16 May, 2025

Business of begging

IT is a matter of deep embarrassment that Pakistan has become an ‘exporter’ of beggars. Over 5,000 have been...
Rebuilding trust
Updated 15 May, 2025

Rebuilding trust

Both countries will have to restart the dialogue process. One major step India can take would be to honour the IWT.
Political off-ramp
15 May, 2025

Political off-ramp

IN the midst of every crisis, there lies great opportunity. With the nation basking in the afterglow of Pakistan’s...
Awami League ban
15 May, 2025

Awami League ban

BANGLADESH stands at a key crossroads. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government and the formation of ...