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

Security officers escort former prime minister Imran Khan as he appeared in Islamabad High Court in this undated picture. — Reuters
Safety officers escort former prime minister Imran Khan as he appeared in Islamabad Excessive Courtroom on this undated image. — Reuters 

LONDON: A King’s Counsel at UK’s main legislation agency Matrix Chambers has opined that former prime minister Imran Khan just isn’t eligible for Oxford Chancellorship as per the college’s personal rules.

Hugh Southey, King’s Counsel at Matrix Chambers in London stated: “In my view, Imran is unlikely to be eligible to be a candidate in gentle of certainly one of his legal convictions.”

Coverage advocacy group Beltway Grid stated that it analysed Southey’s authorized opinion about Oxford’s Chancellor elections.

The group stated that Southey’s assertion has introduced consideration to the authorized features of Imran’s candidacy, elevating issues about how the college would possibly navigate its authorized obligations.

“Southey, a distinguished authorized determine known as to the bar in 1996 and awarded Silk in 2010, has a wealth of expertise in high-profile circumstances, together with these introduced earlier than the UK Supreme Courtroom. His involvement underscores the significance of adhering to authorized requirements on this election.”

It stated that Khan’s candidacy was being examined in gentle of Regulation 7(d) of Oxford’s Council Laws 8 of 2002 and Part 178 of the Charities Act 2011. These rules set up standards for these serving as trustees, together with necessities for honesty and transparency.

Given his authorized historical past, questions have arisen about whether or not the previous premier meets these necessities. Particularly, this falls underneath the “match and correct particular person” take a look at, an ordinary enforced by His Majesty’s Income and Customs to judge trustee suitability, perhaps one other related issue.

Authorized specialists are contemplating whether or not Khan’s candidacy aligns with the requirements required for this prestigious function.

The assertion stated: “Throughout the broader context of management suitability, the Beltway Grid endorses the view of Mr Southey that whereas Imran doesn’t maintain any workplace in Pakistan, he’s actively concerned within the operations of his political get together, the PTI. Moreover, he has clear and public intentions to contest for and take the workplace of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, ought to the chance current itself.”

“The function of Oxford’s Chancellor requires a person who can symbolize the college’s world pursuits, uphold its values and never clearly be intent on taking political workplace throughout their Chancellorship. Moreover, the paper considers whether or not Imran’s background and stances in governance and worldwide relations are aligned with Oxford’s values.”

“The Beltway Grid Coverage Centre workforce factors to Oxford’s dire have to weigh authorized compliance and moral concerns in figuring out the subsequent steps for the Chancellor’s election. In response to King’s Counsel Hugh Southey, the rules governing the place have a direct influence on Khan’s eligibility,” it added.

In the meantime, Oxford Alumni Pakistan introduced their opposition to utilizing Oxford’s identify for political positive aspects.

The Oxford Alumni Group of Pakistan stated in an announcement: “Concerning the regarding media experiences, we categorically deny any declare suggesting that as a discussion board, we help or oppose any particular candidate within the Chancellor Elections. We’ve got not issued any statements endorsing any candidate. The statements circulating within the media usually are not consultant of our collective voice and we emphasise that no such public endorsements or oppositions have been made regarding any candidate.”

“The Oxford Alumni Group of Pakistan includes people from numerous backgrounds and political ideologies. The choice to vote within the Chancellor Elections is a matter for Oxford’s present college students, registered and eligible alumni and college members, and falls past the scope of the Nationwide Dialogue workforce and its mission. As proud alumni of this esteemed establishment, we imagine that the college stays a spot the place mental rigour and values prosper and we wish to infuse that into Pakistan. We’ve got confidence that the College of Oxford will handle the Chancellor Election course of with equity, independence, integrity and in adherence to its guiding rules.”

However, ex-PM’s worldwide adviser Zulfi Bukhari stated: “Imran’s candidacy for the function of chancellor of Oxford College exemplifies his power of character, ethical fibre and willpower. 

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

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