Former PM Imran Khan Not Among Oxford Chancellor Candidates Amid Exclusion Criteria Controversy

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's bid to become the next Chancellor of the University of Oxford has been rejected, with the institution citing UK tax authority's "exclusion criteria" due to corruption and inciting violence charges against him

On October 20th, the University of Oxford announced the candidates vying for its prestigious chancellor position, with 38 names on the list, however, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) did not make the cut. According to sources, Khan had earlier submitted his nomination papers for the position, but it appears he did not meet the eligibility criteria. The university stressed that all applicants are considered based on four exclusion criteria, including whether an individual is an 'unfit or improper person' due to post-qualification conduct or situations. The university's announcement followed an earlier statement suggesting that Khan would apply for the role, given his storied cricket career and alumni status from the prestigious institution, having graduated in 1975. However, the UK tax authority's findings against him led to him being deemed ineligible for the position. The PTI leadership expressed their disappointment at the development, labeling it as 'extremely unfortunate'. The candidates will go through a two-stage online voting process starting from October 28, with the top five candidates being announced on November 4 ahead of the final announcement scheduled for November 25. Among the notable candidates include Elish Angiolini, a Scottish lawyer, and Jan Royall, an Oxford principal. The University's Chancellor plays a ceremonial and advocacy role, serving for a fixed term of up to ten years. The position of Chancellor has been held for over 798 years, since 1224, making it one of the longest-running appointments in British higher education. This appointment follows a process of public withdrawal of Lord Patten, the former Chancellor, and will be seen as a landmark in the institution's history.

The selection of the University's new Chancellor will be closely monitored as it follows an intense scrutiny of Imran Khan's eligibility, shedding light on the university's strict application process and its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in its institutions.