Oxford declares Imran Khan 'ineligible' for chancellor elections

Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been disqualified from running in the Oxford University's chancellor elections, Geo News reported on Wednesday.

The decision came after King's Counsel, Hugh Southey, from Matrix Chambers provided a legal opinion to the prestigious university.

A day earlier, Southey said Khan's criminal convictions may bar him from running for the coveted position.

Southey's legal opinion said that the candidate must adhere to Regulation 7(d) of Oxford's Council Regulations 8 of 2002 and Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011, which emphasise the need for honesty and transparency in trustees.

The 'fit and proper person' test, enforced by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, was also a crucial factor in evaluating Khan's suitability.

Experts from the policy advocacy group Beltway Grid argue that Imran's active involvement in his political party, PTI, and his intentions to contest for Pakistan's prime ministership may not align with the requirements of the chancellor role.

However, the veteran politician's name was excluded from the list of candidates for the first stage of the election.

The election is set to take place in late October in a convocation of Oxford members and graduates of the university.

Mr Khan is an Alumni of Oxford University, who graduated from Keble College at the varsity in 1975. He read philosophy, politics, and economics during his time there and even captained the university’s cricket team.

The 72-year-old politician had also served as the chancellor of Bradford University from 2005 to 2014.

Earlier in August this year, Conservative peer Lord Daniel Hannan and independent MPs Shockat Adam and Adnan Hussain threw their support behind Mr Khan to become the next chancellor of Oxford University.

Later this month, over 170 alumni, staff members, and current students signed a petition in his favour.