Syed Zulfi Bukhari, former advisor to ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan on international affairs, has alleged that Oxford University was pressured by the Pakistani government to prevent Khan from running for the position of Chancellor.
Bukhari had led a media campaign to support Khan’s candidacy, but the university blocked Khan from participating due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case and the political implications surrounding it.
In an interview with Geo News, Bukhari expressed his belief that the decision was influenced by a campaign orchestrated by Pakistani government sources. He remarked, “The Oxford University has made a narrow-minded and pressured decision to block Imran Khan.”
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He further stated that many across Pakistan and other countries supported Khan’s candidacy, and nearly 200 Oxford alumni had signed a petition backing him.
Bukhari also noted that legal advice from multiple King’s Counsels had confirmed there were no legal barriers to Khan’s nomination. He criticized the university’s decision as unjustified, citing the United Nations’ stance on Khan’s detention and politically motivated charges.
Bukhari hinted at the possibility of taking legal action against the university, stating that he had already written to them and would explore all legal options to challenge the decision.
