After GCU, Imran Khan invited by Oxford Union on 200th anniversary

After Government College University (GCU) – Lahore, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan alongside other influential global speakers including Malala Yousafzai got the invitation for Oxford Union’s Michaelmas 2022 on the occasion of its 200th anniversary.

The President of the Oxford Union, Ahmad Nawaz, announced the global speakers of the upcoming event which also include Imran Khan and Malala Yousafzai.

The Oxford Union Society, commonly referred to simply as the Oxford Union, is a debating society in the city of Oxford, England, whose membership is drawn primarily from the University of Oxford.

Ahmad Nawaz wrote on Twitter, “I am thrilled to share with you all the list of speakers that will be joining us at @OxfordUnion this term! From Malala Yousafzai to [former] PM Imran Khan to Dr Anthony Fauci & many other world leaders will be joining us in the Oxford Union Chambers!”

I am thrilled to share with you all the list of speakers that will be joining us at @OxfordUnion this term!

From Malala Yousafzai to PM Imran Khan to Dr Anthony Fauci & many other world leaders will be joining us in the Oxford Union Chambers!

Termcard:https://t.co/E26MQW6vwk pic.twitter.com/DEN1qXzLiN

— Ahmad Nawaz (@Ahmadnawazaps) September 30, 2022

The official ‘teamcard’ read Nawaz’s statement, “As we approach the 200th anniversary of the Oxford Union, I must remind you all of the reason this Union came into existence: Free Speech. It is this very notion of ‘Free Speech’ that we are here to protect at the Union today. The Union has recently faced criticisms for hosting controversial speakers, but one must never forget that it is not merely a platform to host speakers, but a platform to challenge, explore and criticise their ideas. In the words of a previous president, “Disagreement is not a dirty word!” If you do not wish to be intellectually challenged or disagreed with, then perhaps the Union is not the place for you.”

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It added, “This term, we are honoured to host some of the most distinguished individuals of our time. From the icon herself, Malala Yousafzai to the man himself Imran Khan, AJ Tracey to Alfie Boe to Eddie Hearn, it is a term not only of intellectual discussions and inspiration but also of entertainment and celebrations.”

“The Union has come a long wayan adapting to the needs of its members. We have made strides towards making the Union a more accessible, inclusive and diverse place where everyone feels welcomed and respected. There is of course still a long way to go and I hope my successors will continue the work that we began.”

Imran Khan was among other global influential speakers who will be addressing the Oxford Union’s event. It will be another mega event for the PTI chief in a famous educational institute after his address in the GCU Lahore.

However, Khan’s address to the GCU Lahore was made unnecessarily controversial by the government which led to the dismissal of the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Asghar Zaidi from the search committee established for federal universities after he invited the PTI chief to address an event.

Analysts said that it would be an embarrassing moment for the coalition government for its controversial step against the top official of the GCU Lahore as a globally recognised Oxford University invited him as a speaker too.