Imran Khan’s pitch from prison to be head of Oxford University

In an article published in the British newspaper, The Times, on Sunday (September 15), journalist Georgia Lambert has outlined PTI founder Imran Khan’s bid for chancellorship of Oxford University.

Her article, reproduced below, starts with: Imran Khan has fought many political battles but now, from his 7x8ft prison cell, the former Pakistani prime minister has pledged to champion free speech in higher education if elected as Oxford University’s next chancellor.

In an interview conducted through his lawyers (because Khan isn’t allowed pen and paper) he said: “Symbols matter and, as chancellor, I would fully embrace the opportunity to be a figurehead advocating for the values that Oxford stands for.

“I would use my platform to advocate fiercely for academic freedom, ensuring that Oxford remains a sanctuary for open debate, free from external pressures that may sti e the pursuit of truth. In today’s polarised world the ability to explore and challenge ideas without fear is more critical than ever. I would use my platform to reinforce Oxford’s commitment to intellectual diversity and the protection of free thought across all disciplines.”

The former cricket star has been in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for just over a year, convicted on charges he claims are politically motivated. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, continues to be a significant force in the country’s political arena.

His imprisonment has sparked protests and kept him prominently in the public eye, with many of his supporters viewing him as a political martyr.Sayed Zulfi Bukhari, an adviser to Khan, said that he submitted his application for the university position after an extended deadline necessitated by his incarceration. Khan is contesting the election for Lord Patten of Barnes’s successor as ceremonial head of the university.The election for the position will take place on October 28, allowing more than 250,000 alumni and former staff members to cast their votes online. The successful candidate will serve a ten-year term as the university’s titular head, supporting Professor Irene Tracey, the vice-chancellor.

Khan’s decision to apply for the role was straightforward: he aims to “give back” to the university which played a pivotal role in shaping his leadership skills.The 71-year-old, born in Lahore, gained prominence as the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team during the 1980s and early 1990s. He is an honorary fellow at Keble College, Oxford, where he read philosophy, politics and economics before graduating in 1975.

He said: “Six previous chancellors have served as prime minister, all of them British. If elected, I would be the first non-British chancellor, an opportunity that would send a powerful message about global Britain and Oxford’s role as an inclusive institution.

“My inspiration comes from my deep connection to Oxford, where I learned the values of integrity, resilience and leadership that have shaped my entire career. Oxford shaped me as a leader and now I feel a responsibility to give back and help propel the university forward in this rapidly changing world.

“My time at [the university] taught me the value of rational debate, inquiry, and intellectual integrity — values that transcend political lines.”

Khan described his political career as being shaped by a “fight for justice and democracy”, but pledged that his approach as chancellor would be “entirely non- political”.

In his application, Khan set out a long list of initiatives which focused on improving access and inclusion for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, attracting more international students from the global south and overseeing mental health provisions for students.

He said: “By promoting an inclusive and nurturing environment, we ensure that the next generation of leaders is not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient. This will be one of my foremost priorities.”

Commenting on the issue of widening access, he said: “I believe Oxford must continue to attract and nurture the best talent globally. To achieve this I would advocate for an enhanced global scholarship programme, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of the most deserving students from any part of the world, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I would also work to position Oxford as a global hub for cutting-edge research in areas critical to our future — technology, climate change, global health and more.

“Oxford University is the best in the world. But the best can be better. It can solve the biggest problems of our age, it can become a positive force across the globe — if, and only if, it attracts the world’s brightest minds, regardless of their background or income.”

According to Khan, his diverse career as a cricketer, philanthropist and politician has taught him the value of leadership and service.As a cricketer, Khan led the Pakistani team to a historic victory at the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Seven years before the win, Khan lost his mother Shaukat Khanum to cancer, which ignited his shift from sports to philanthropy.

Leveraging his fame, he raised more than $600 million to establish the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Pakistan, which continues to provide financial support to the poor, in a country without a national health service.

Khan said: “As a philanthropist, I founded institutions like Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Namal University, both driven by a deep commitment to social justice and providing opportunities to the disadvantaged.”

Khan said that 93 per cent of Namal University students received scholarships. He urges Oxford University to adopt a similar approach, stating: “Oxford can and should replicate this ethos on a global scale, ensuring that financial limitations are never a barrier for the brightest minds from underprivileged backgrounds.

“As a politician and former prime minister, I have navigated the complexities of governance, diplomacy and institutional change, equipping me with a unique global perspective and the ability to unite people toward common goals. I would bring this same dedication to leadership at Oxford.”

Although Khan acknowledges that his incarceration might cast doubt on his suitability for the role, he maintains that his unique experiences distinguish him from other political candidates, such as the Tory peer Lord Hague of Richmond and Lord Mandelson, the Labour peer.

He said: “I understand that my background, including my current incarceration on politically motivated charges, may raise questions for some. However, my life’s work has been about fighting for justice, democracy and equality. My imprisonment has been condemned by international bodies, including the UN, and I fully expect to be released in the near future.

“I believe my diverse experiences — whether on the cricket field, in philanthropy or as a leader — offer a unique perspective that can enrich Oxford’s global mission. At my core I am driven by integrity, fairness and a commitment to service, which align deeply with what Oxford stands for.”