Imran Khan’s Oxford Nomination
At a time when democracies and human rights are under perilous threat, Imran Khan decides to run for the most revered British Public Service roles, the Oxford Chancellor. This can be seen as a tribute not only to the institution that has shaped his values but also the United Kingdom where he spent his formative years.
A leader who enjoys massive public support both inside and outside of Pakistan, he has been living for over a year in solitary incarceration. Refusing to relent on a 'stolen mandate' which was awarded unanimously through General Elections in February 2024.
As fellow Alumni, here are some of our reasons for supporting Imran Khan's candidacy for the role and for what we see as an intuitive collaborative opportunity between South Asia & the United Kingdom.
Imran Embodies the Oxonion Tradition & Values
Imran Khan has embodied the Oxonion tradition of 'courage under duress' across all spectrums -whether as a cricketer, humanitarian or politician.
He pulled an impossible victory in 1992 when he captained Pakistan's Cricket team. He went on to building the first cancer treatment and research facility within five years from ground up. He then shifted gears to undertake the mammoth task starting a political movement for justice with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
After a formidable struggle of over 28 years that has cost him family life, today PTI is one of the most popular political parties in the world, challenging the well-entrenched, corrupt, fascist system in Pakistan.
This 'movement for Justice' converges with the values of freedom and rule of law that Imran Khan has learnt while at Oxford some 50 years ago.
Today, Khan stands tall as a mighty prisoner of conscience where the hopes of 250 million poverty-stricken Pakistanis are pegged to him regaining power of nuclear-powered Pakistan.
In the last two years, the world has witnessed how Imran Khan has sacrificed everything, enduring various forms of tyranny which included notably an attack on his residence in Lahore and two assassination attempts, all in pursuit of giving his beleaguered nation a just and equitable Pakistan for all.
Global Icon & youth role-model
In the words of Pravin Sawhney (an Indian Analyst), Imran Khan is a “global icon of integrity and the best-known brand of Pakistan”
For over three decades Imran Khan has been a role model for the youth, not just in Pakistan but also in South Asia and is now seen as a symbol of Muslim pride. His reach and influence to inspire the youth and guide them through their challenges cannot be overemphasized. In February 2024 General Elections, millions of tech-savvy Pakistani youth delivered the biggest surprise in fifty years by supporting candidates backed by Imran Khan, despite the ban on his party symbol.
As Chancellor, Imran Khan will be a role model for the aspiring youth that will serve to strengthen Oxford University's links with South Asia rendering him a valuable bridge between the east and the west.
Oxfords enhanced engagement in Pakistan – Human development & research.
Pakistan has one of the highest proportions of young people in the world with 64% (160 million) of its population under 30 years old. This youth bulge can either be steered towards becoming a productive workforce or under the prevalent catastrophic conditions it would be only a matter of time before this 'perfect storm of angry unemployed youth' living in poverty ends up colliding with terrorism.
Since Imran Khan's ouster a staggering 1.6 million Pakistanis, particularly the youth have been leaving in droves leading to panicking levels of brain-drain from Pakistan. Correspondingly, United Kingdom and Europe have seen sharp increase in net migration from Pakistan which brings with it, its own set of challenges.
Imran Khan holds the solution to addressing this untenable situation. Throughout his premiership and prior humanitarian work, his focus has been on tapping on the potential of Pakistan’s young through education.
Previously, as Chancellor of Braford University, Imran Khan had collaborated and sought expertise of the University to set up Namal College in Pakistan.
If Imran Khan were to be appointed Chancellor, one would naturally expect increased collaboration between Pakistan and Oxford University. This would pose an opportunity not just for the Faculty or the University, but also for the United Kingdom to partner with Pakistan as it overhauls and invests in the education sector once Khan is back in power.
Imran Khan Champions Humanitarian Activities
Imran possess an exemplary skillset for humanitarian work and fund raising, not just in Pakistan but also globally. His Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Research Facility is run entirely on donations – such is the integrity of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan has also used his international profile in cricket to support health and immunisation programmes in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Imran Khan has been a colossal South Asian figure in the field of sports, philanthropy and politics which strongly underpins his ability to raise awareness and lead successful funding and endowment campaigns on behalf of University of Oxford.
As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the role of Oxford Chancellor carries with it unparalleled prestige. We in Pakistan and the Global South are at the precipice of change where Imran Khan as Chancellor stands as a source of humanitarian convergence - a bridge between South Asia, Muslim countries and the collective West.
Authored by: Mrs. Samson - Oxford Alumni