LONDON: Israr Kakar, an Oxford University student from Balochistan, has made history by winning the Oxford Union Presidency. He is the third Pakistani and the first person from Balochistan to achieve this honour, following in the footsteps of Benazir Bhutto, who was the first Pakistani to become Oxford Union President in 1977.
Israr belongs to Killa Abdullah district, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He is the youngest of 13 siblings. Israr completed his primary education in his village before pursuing further studies in Abbottabad, Lahore, and the United States for his matriculation and intermediate education. He graduated with LLB honours from the University of Aberdeen, achieving distinction, and completed his Bar at Law from Lincoln’s Inn on a fully-funded scholarship.
Currently, Israr is enrolled in the DPhil programme at the Law Department of the University of Oxford. Notably, he is the second among his siblings to attend college, with his elder brother also having been a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.
On Saturday, he elected Oxford Union President. Talking to Geo News, Israr expressed his gratitude: “I am incredibly grateful to the members of the Oxford Union for placing their trust in me by electing me as President and to my team for believing in me. This election was crucial, especially during such challenging times. Coming from a humble rural background and achieving such an honour will inspire the next generation of aspiring young people. This is a platform where a lot can be done, and I will not waste any moment. It is a proud moment for Pakistan and my family back home in Balochistan. There is a significant amount of work ahead, and I am committed to leading the Union on a more inclusive path and restoring its relevance.”
Oxford Union’s official newspaper reported: “Israr Khan has been elected Oxford Union President for Hilary Term 2024 with 617 first preferences against opponent Izzy Horrocks-Taylor’s 393 first preferences. The margin is significantly wider than in the Union’s previous two elections, when the top two candidates only differed by a handful of votes. Rachel Haddad Moskalenko, Moosa Harraj, and Siddhant Nagrath won the elections for Librarian, Treasurer, and Secretary respectively. This marks the first time the Union’s four officer positions will all be from BAME backgrounds.“
Founded in 1823, the Oxford Union is one of Britain’s oldest university unions and one of the world’s most prestigious societies. This esteemed institution has hosted an array of distinguished speakers, including the Queen, President Reagan, and Mother Teresa.
Kakar has been an active participant and organizer of debates at the Oxford Union, hosting distinguished international speakers such as former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad and notable Pakistani figures including Malala Yousafzai, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Essa, and senior journalist Hamid Mir.
Israr’s election marks a significant milestone, highlighting the Union’s continued commitment to diversity and excellence.
