Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is facing calls to be disqualified from running in the Oxford University Chancellor election. Critics cite his alleged support for the Taliban and Osama bin Laden, as well as controversial comments about women’s clothing.
The UK’s Daily Mail reported that after Khan expressed interest in the chancellor race, Oxford University received protest emails arguing that he was unfit for the position.
Khan confirmed his candidacy for Oxford’s chancellor on August 25, stating he wanted to “give back” to the university where he studied 50 years ago. Despite being in jail for over a year on corruption charges, which he claims are politically motivated, Khan, 71, intends to replace the outgoing chancellor, Tory peer Lord Patten.
Emails sent to the university argue that it is inappropriate for someone convicted in corruption cases to run for a chancellor position at a prestigious institution like Oxford. The Daily Mail further reports that Khan’s alleged support for the Taliban and Osama bin Laden raises significant concerns about his candidacy.
Khan has faced backlash for proposing that the Taliban set up an office in Pakistan and for reportedly calling them freedom fighters during the US presence in Afghanistan. Additionally, his comments linking women’s clothing to sexual assault incidents have sparked criticism, with many arguing that such remarks shift blame away from perpetrators and reinforce harmful stereotypes about women.
Khan’s critics say his supporters have harassed and attacked them online in response to these concerns.
