Is running Oxford University the same as running PTI?

Among the many cases against Imran Khan in recent times, his name has now been dropped from the list of candidates for the chancellorship of Oxford University, which was expected. Submitting a nomination for such a position was not a good idea in the first place, but it would be even more ridiculous if he or his advisers tried some kind of legal action if they were rejected.

The criteria for the persons who will be acceptable for nomination has been determined by the university that ‘the person concerned cannot be a present representative of an elected government, nor can he be a person participating in elections’. This defined criterion clearly means that Imran Khan has to give up all his political ambitions to qualify as a candidate for the chancellorship.

Writing in the Middle East Eye last month, noted British journalist Peter O’Brien, who is generally known for holding views contrary to the public, said, ’50 years ago as a student of politics and economics at Keble College, Oxford, Imran Khan What he learned about the important values ​​of freedom and justice is reflected in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, many quarters believe that while Oxford’s shortcomings are indeed exposed in some cases, it is an insult to the university to identify its values ​​as similar to those of the PTI.

This factor was also reflected in the writing of Times of Israel blogger Aynor Bashirova who claimed that “Imran Khan has tried to challenge the status quo, especially in areas such as education reform and women’s rights”. Feminist activists and academics in Pakistan may not agree with her statement.

Ainur Bashirova said this comment may also refer to Imran Khan’s access to Israel through his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family. But on the other hand, journalist Peter O’Brien welcomed Imran Khan’s statement regarding Gaza, while other candidates for Oxford Chancellorship, such as British Conservative Party leader William Hague and Labor Party Minister Peter Maddelson, did not comment on the Gaza tragedy. did not

Peter O’Byrne’s statement was criticized by Catherine Bennett of The Observer, who said his nomination would be an insult to “students of the university past and present” and a gift to “the Taliban and their sympathizers”. Recently, Kapil Kumari also challenged Peter Abron’s views.

In a column for The Daily Telegraph last week, Kapil Kamreddy asked whether Oxford’s staff or alumni were ‘ready to vote for a candidate who would lift the university out of decades of obscurity and make it a comprehensive institution. He also commented on Imran Khan’s other faults such as Imran Khan’s supporters of fascism in the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee. Supporters are supporting the person.

Many left-wing ideologues in the West see Imran Khan as a hero who is fighting against imperialism while ignoring the aspect of how many of his accomplices and facilitators he has involved in this political game. What is angry? They do not understand that they can stand against Imran Khan’s behavior and actions without agreeing with his vague and outdated ideology.

Imran Khan’s nomination campaign as a chancellorship candidate gained attention despite going against university norms, attracting a large number of South Asians to file nominations for the chancellorship as well. Although he has no previous connection to Oxford or even a clear understanding of what the formal role of chancellor entails, the person sitting in the position is not paid any remuneration.

In the statements of 38 candidates posted on the university’s website, Lahore-based lawyer Sudra Aftab boasts of her ‘ability to understand facts and deal with difficult times’. Another legal expert, Anwar Baig, describes himself as ‘the right person for the job’. Kashif Bilal has pledged to ‘raise literacy rates in Britain and the world’.

Supreme Court lawyer Aftab Ahmad Javed Shaikh has claimed his eligibility for the post based on his life’s ‘dynamic experiences’. Kushmala Rauf considers her experience as an Amazon team leader her qualification. Abrar-ul-Hassan Shapo has pledged his ambitions to ‘work with integrity and the welfare of the university’. Tanya Tajik says her Zumba experience ‘will help me in taking on the responsibilities of chancellor’.

Former politicians (who are expected to take over) such as Conservative Party Leader William Hague, Dominic Grieve who has worked with William (whom I have also been approached to support) and Labor Party Leader Peter Maddelson. There are prominent names. In retrospect, one of these three will hold the chancellorship after the retirement of current chancellor Chris Patton.

Also, this is the first time that the voting process will be open, meaning that the ex-students who have passed out from the university will also be eligible to vote. Previously, these selections were made internally under the doctrine of Dominus Illuminati Meo (My Lord is My Light) that had emerged decades earlier, in which Oxford had the status of a religious institution in which to work and study. The same they used to choose their chancellor.

Someone with slightly different principles, I can support. I am still in a state of uncertainty as to which candidate to vote for in next week’s election. But one thing is clear that since Imran Khan’s name is not in this list, it is no longer important who wins this meaningless election.