SARGODHA: Former prime minister Imran Khan, who is drumming up support for his imminent long march to Islamabad, proposed on Thu­rsday that political leaders must be allowed to visit higher education institutions to inspire students for a future in politics.

Addressing an event at the University of Sargodha, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman said universities should also act as ‘nurseries’ for future leadership to save Pakistan from the corrupt political elite.

He said it was not uncommon for political leaders to visit educational institutions in other parts of the world and claimed it to be an international practice to “groom” future leadership. He added that national leaders should be allowed in universities without the need for invitations and requested the Punjab governor — the chancellor — for the same.

Imran Khan also chided the governor for stopping the university administration from extending him the invitation to address the event. He said that the governor was a spokesperson of a political party whose leader was living in self-exile after allegedly plundering the public exchequer. He further said being in the audience of national leaders would be an excellent opportunity for students living through their ‘politically formative’ years.

It may be mentioned that besides the Punjab governor, the vice chancellor of the Sar­godha university, Dr Qai­sar Abbas, also opposed Imran Khan’s visit to addr­ess the student in a joint venture and reportedly exchanged hot words with PTI leader Usman Dar over the matter.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2022