Oxford University has disqualified former prime minister Imran Khan from the race to become its next chancellor.
Khan, who was reportedly running for the role from his prison cell in Adiala Jail, failed to make the official list of candidates.
The former cricket star and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had attempted to enter the contest despite serving a 10-year prison sentence.
The position of chancellor became vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, the former governor of Hong Kong and long-serving Conservative Party chairman, who held the role for 21 years.
On Wednesday, Oxford University released the official list of 38 candidates, with Khan’s absence notably drawing attention.
Voting for the election of chancellor of Oxford University will be held on October 28.
Earlier this month, Khan was charged with attempted murder related to the death of a police officer during violent protests by his supporters on October 8, 2023. He has been behind bars since 2023 and is accused of inciting violence.
In late September, a fresh petition was submitted to Oxford University urging the institution to bar Imran Khan from contesting the chancellor's election.
The petition, brought forward by Khurram Butt, the chairman of the PML-N Youth Wing, highlights concerns over Khan’s involvement in legal cases in Pakistan and his alleged intent to politicise the prestigious university’s election process.
Earlier that month, Imran Khan had said that if he were to be elected chancellor of Oxford University, it would be an honour for Pakistan. Speaking to the media from Adiala Jail, Khan expressed that even if he did not win the chancellorship, it would not diminish his accomplishments.
"No one in the history of cricket in Pakistan has reached the level I have. I have undertaken the most charitable work in Pakistan, including the construction of two hospitals, and two universities, with a third university still under construction," he remarked.
