Imran Khan not eligible for Oxford chancellorship, says Matrix Chambers lawyer

LONDON: A King’s Counsel at UK’s leading law firm Matrix Chambers has opined that former prime minister Imran Khan is not eligible for Oxford Chancellorship as per the university’s own regulations.

Hugh Southey, King's Counsel at Matrix Chambers in London said: "In my opinion, Imran is unlikely to be eligible to be a candidate in light of one of his criminal convictions."

Policy advocacy group Beltway Grid said that it analysed Southey's legal opinion about Oxford’s Chancellor elections.

The group said that Southey’s statement has brought attention to the legal aspects of Imran's candidacy, raising concerns about how the university might navigate its legal obligations.

"Southey, a distinguished legal figure called to the bar in 1996 and awarded Silk in 2010, has a wealth of experience in high-profile cases, including those brought before the UK Supreme Court. His involvement underscores the importance of adhering to legal standards in this election."

It said that Khan's candidacy was being examined in light of Regulation 7(d) of Oxford's Council Regulations 8 of 2002 and Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011. These regulations establish criteria for those serving as trustees, including requirements for honesty and transparency.

Given his legal history, questions have arisen about whether the former premier meets these requirements. Specifically, this falls under the "fit and proper person" test, a standard enforced by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to evaluate trustee suitability, maybe another relevant factor.

Legal experts are considering whether Khan's candidacy aligns with the standards required for this prestigious role.

The statement said: “Within the broader context of leadership suitability, the Beltway Grid endorses the view of Mr Southey that while Imran does not hold any office in Pakistan, he is actively involved in the operations of his political party, the PTI. Additionally, he has clear and public intentions to contest for and take the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, should the opportunity present itself."

"The role of Oxford’s Chancellor requires an individual who can represent the university’s global interests, uphold its values and not clearly be intent on taking political office during their Chancellorship. Additionally, the paper considers whether Imran's background and stances in governance and international relations are aligned with Oxford’s values."

"The Beltway Grid Policy Centre team points to Oxford’s dire need to weigh legal compliance and ethical considerations in determining the next steps for the Chancellor's election. According to King’s Counsel Hugh Southey, the regulations governing the position have a direct impact on Khan’s eligibility," it added.

Meanwhile, Oxford Alumni Pakistan announced their opposition to using Oxford's name for political gains.

The Oxford Alumni Community of Pakistan said in a statement: “Regarding the concerning media reports, we categorically deny any claim suggesting that as a forum, we support or oppose any specific candidate in the Chancellor Elections. We have not issued any statements endorsing any candidate. The statements circulating in the media are not representative of our collective voice and we emphasise that no such public endorsements or oppositions have been made concerning any candidate."

"The Oxford Alumni Community of Pakistan comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds and political ideologies. The decision to vote in the Chancellor Elections is a matter for Oxford's current students, registered and eligible alumni and faculty members, and falls beyond the scope of the National Dialogue team and its mission. As proud alumni of this esteemed institution, we believe that the university remains a place where intellectual rigour and values prosper and we want to infuse that into Pakistan. We have confidence that the University of Oxford will manage the Chancellor Election process with fairness, independence, integrity and in adherence to its guiding principles.”

On the other hand, ex-PM's international adviser Zulfi Bukhari said: “Imran's candidacy for the role of chancellor of Oxford University exemplifies his strength of character, moral fibre and determination. 

Earlier this month, more than 175 alumni and students from Oxford University signed a petition in favour of Khan’s candidacy which speaks for the credibility of Mr Khan and the support for him.”