Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s bid for the Oxford University Chancellorship has encountered significant obstacles due to eligibility concerns. A King’s Counsel from the prominent UK law firm Matrix Chambers, Hugh Southey, has provided a legal opinion stating that Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, may not qualify for the position under Oxford’s regulations.
Southey commented, “In my opinion, Mr. Khan is unlikely to be eligible to stand as a candidate, given his criminal conviction.”
The policy advocacy group Beltway Grid also reviewed Southey’s legal assessment, pointing to further issues related to Khan’s political activities.
The group noted that Khan’s active leadership in PTI and his aspiration to contest for Pakistan’s prime ministership could conflict with Oxford’s expectations for the role.
“The role of Oxford’s Chancellor demands a figure who can represent the university’s global interests and uphold its values, free from any intentions of holding political office concurrently,” Beltway Grid stated. “The analysis also questions whether Khan’s governance background and international stance align with Oxford’s values.”
