A fresh petition has been submitted to Oxford University urging the institution to bar Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), from contesting the upcoming Chancellor's election.
The petition, brought forward by Khurram Butt, Chairman of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (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.
Khurram Butt personally submitted the petition to the office of Oxford's Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by a set of new documents.
He claimed that the PTI leader aimed to use the Chancellor’s position to further his political agenda and deflect attention from the controversies surrounding him in Pakistan.
Butt also launched a campaign against Khan by distributing pamphlets across several Oxford colleges, including Keble College, Lady Margaret Hall, and Trinity College.
During his interactions with students, Butt detailed the ongoing legal battles Imran Khan is facing, particularly the £190 million corruption case, which has drawn international attention.
According to Butt, the UK's National Crime Agency has reportedly informed Oxford University about the case, raising further concerns about Khan’s suitability for the Chancellor’s role.
Speaking to students, Khurram Butt characterised Imran Khan as a controversial figure, accusing him of financial misconduct and moral failings.
He further alleged that Khan, during his tenure as Prime Minister, made lenient decisions towards the Taliban, which he argued had resulted in a resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan. Butt also referenced the violence and political unrest on May 9, 2023, describing it as a direct consequence of Khan’s leadership.
"The founder of PTI is a divisive figure who brings disgrace to Pakistan on the international stage," Butt said while addressing students. "We cannot allow his negative thinking and extremist ideology to infiltrate an institution as revered as Oxford University."
The PML-N coordinator urged the university to disqualify Khan from the race, asserting that his continued participation would tarnish the reputation of both Pakistan and Oxford. "We will not allow the nefarious objectives of the PTI founder to reach completion," Butt declared.
