Minister Bukhari Criticizes Imran Khan's Bid for Oxford Chancellor Amid Legal Troubles

Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari criticized jailed former PM Imran Khan's decision to contest for Oxford University Chancellor. She accused him and his wife of corruption and mocked his election bid from jail. Bukhari highlighted Western media's changed stance and Transparency International's reports on rising corruption during Khan's tenure.

The Information Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, Azma Zahid Bukhari, criticized imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan following his announcement to contest the University of Oxford's Chancellor elections, according to a Thursday media report.

Bukhari, a prominent figure in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), suggested that Khan should rather run for election in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where the 71-year-old has been detained for over a year, as reported by The Express Tribune.

She cited ongoing corruption allegations as reasons for Western media's shift in perception of Khan, once praised for his values, now considered a 'disgrace.' Bukhari pointed to Transparency International's reports highlighting increased corruption during Khan's leadership and accused him and his wife of misusing their offices for personal gain by keeping valuable gifts and hiding millions of pounds.

Bukhari also expressed astonishment at Khan's intention to run for the Chancellor role at Oxford despite facing serious charges related to the May 9 riots, corrupt practices, and violations of the Official Secrets Act. She criticized his inconsistent rhetoric, comparing it to that of a 'fraudster' rather than a genuine leader.

Khan, an Oxford alumnus, having studied PPE and captained the university's cricket team, is reportedly among the candidates aiming to succeed the retired Chris Patten as Chancellor. The election will be conducted through an online ballot with over 250,000 Oxford alumni participating later this year. The winner will serve a 10-year term supporting current Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey.

Despite securing bail or having convictions overturned, Khan has remained in custody since his arrest on August 5 last year, in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by Pakistan's Election Commission.

(With inputs from agencies.)