The question that has recently shaken the international media is both provocative and urgent: Is Taliban-friendly Imran Khan truly the best candidate for Oxford University’s next Chancellor? This debate has brought to the forefront a series of concerns about Khan’s suitability for one of the most prestigious academic positions in the world.
The international media raises an explosive question
- Khan declared Osama bin Laden a martyr. (The Guardian newspaper)
- Khan congratulated the Afghan Taliban after the withdrawal of U.S., British, and allied forces from Kabul. (The Guardian newspaper)
- Khan congratulated the Taliban on “breaking the chains of slavery.” (The Guardian newspaper)
- Khan blamed the women who were sexually harassed for the incident. (The Guardian newspaper)
- Khan called Osama bin Laden a “martyr.” (The Guardian newspaper)
- Earlier, Khan refused to label Osama bin Laden a terrorist. (The Guardian newspaper)
- Khan’s candidacy is an insult to the women of Oxford, including current and former female graduates. (The Guardian newspaper)
- No one’s chancellorship would be more appreciated by the Taliban and their apologists than Khan’s; it is hard to imagine anyone more fitting. (The Guardian newspaper)
- If only someone would tell Khan and his supporters the same. (The Guardian newspaper)
- The Guardian newspaper has named Lady Elish Angiolini as the best candidate for Oxford University.
- Lady Elish Angiolini is already an asset to Oxford University. (The Guardian newspaper)
- Lady Elish Angiolini is non-political. (The Guardian newspaper)
- The Daily Mail, based in the UK, called Khan a “disgraced” former Prime Minister
Khan, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has a history of controversial statements that are hard to reconcile with the values of an institution like Oxford. For instance, he has publicly referred to Osama bin Laden as a “martyr” — a statement that, in itself, is deeply troubling. To view a man responsible for the deaths of thousands as anything but a terrorist raises serious questions about Khan’s worldview and judgment.
Moreover, Khan has not shied away from praising the Taliban. Following the U.S. and allied forces’ withdrawal from Kabul, he congratulated the Taliban, lauding them for “breaking the chains of slavery.” This commendation of a regime known for its brutal treatment of women, minorities, and dissenters seems alarmingly at odds with the principles of human rights and freedom that Oxford stands for.
Khan’s views on women are another point of concern. He has blamed women for the sexual harassment they face, a stance that is not only regressive but also harmful. How can someone with such views be entrusted with a role that should champion the values of equality and respect for all?
For many, Khan’s candidacy is an insult to the women of Oxford, including both current students and alumni. His views and actions appear to undermine the progress that has been made in promoting gender equality and protecting human rights. It’s hard to imagine a candidate whose appointment would be more celebrated by the Taliban and its sympathizers.
Contrast Khan with Lady Elish Angiolini, a figure *The Guardian* has endorsed as the best candidate for Oxford’s Chancellorship. Lady Angiolini is not only widely respected but also non-political, making her a unifying figure in an increasingly polarized world. She is already an asset to Oxford, and her commitment to making the university more accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds reflects a dedication to inclusivity and fairness.
Given this comparison, one has to ask: What message would Oxford be sending by choosing Khan over a candidate like Lady Angiolini? It’s not just about who holds the title of Chancellor, but about the values that Oxford University upholds.
*Khan’s candidacy has also been scrutinized by the* Daily Mail, *which has labeled him a “disgraced” former Prime Minister. As more voices join the chorus of concern, it becomes increasingly clear that Khan’s potential appointment is far more than just a ceremonial issue; it’s a matter of principle, integrity, and the future direction of one of the world’s leading educational institutions.*
The decision facing Oxford is not just about choosing a Chancellor; it’s about choosing the values that will define the university for years to come.
