Balochistan's Israr Kakar Makes History by Winning Oxford Union Presidency
Israr Kakar, a student from Balochistan at Oxford University, has made history by winning the Oxford Union Presidency, becoming the third Pakistani and the first from Balochistan to achieve this milestone.
Israr, hailing from a small village in Killa Abdullah district along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, is the youngest of 13 siblings. Despite his humble beginnings, he pursued his education diligently, studying in Abbotabad, Lahore, and the United States before completing his LLB honours from the University of Aberdeen and his Bar at Law from Lincoln’s Inn on a fully-funded scholarship. Currently enrolled in the DPhil programme at the Law Department of University of Oxford, Israr’s achievement is a source of pride for Pakistan and his family in Balochistan.
In his presidency, Israr aims to lead the Union on a more inclusive path and restore its relevance. His election victory, with 617 first preferences against opponent Izzy Horrocks-Taylor’s 393 first preferences, marks a significant moment for the Union, with all four officer positions now held by individuals from BAME backgrounds.
Established in 1823, the Oxford Union is one of Britain’s oldest university unions and is renowned for hosting distinguished speakers such as the Queen, President Reagan, and Mother Teresa. Israr’s success adds to the Union’s legacy of diversity and excellence, following in the footsteps of notable figures like Benazir Bhutto and Ahmad Nawaz.
Israr has been actively involved in debates at the Oxford Union and has hosted esteemed speakers, including former Malaysian prime minister Mahatir Muhammad and prominent Pakistani figures like Malala Yousufzai and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Essa.
