Imran Khan’s bid for the chancellorship at Oxford University has sparked mixed reactions in the British press. While the majority of reports have been positive, a recent column in the Observer criticized Khan’s candidacy. Columnist Catherine Bennett argued that Khan’s controversial views and actions make him an unsuitable candidate to represent Oxford’s values globally.
Bennett highlighted Khan’s past statements praising Osama bin Laden and the Taliban, as well as his regressive views on women and rape. She also criticized his admiration for the Chinese Communist Party, particularly their treatment of Uyghur Muslims, stating that it goes against Oxford’s tradition of defending free speech and human rights.
In contrast, Bennett praised another candidate, Lady Elish Angiolini, as a more suitable choice due to her background as a lawyer and her efforts to make Oxford more accessible to poorer students. Despite some endorsements for Khan, an associate professor at Oxford believes his chances of winning are slim.
The debate continues as Khan’s supporters push for his candidacy, but the outcome remains uncertain.