BREAKING BOUNDARIES: ISRAR KAKAR’S HISTORIC ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE OXFORD UNION

Israr Kakar, a Baluchistan native, made history as the Oxford Union’s President, a first for both Baluchistan and Pakistan. From a small village in Qilla Abdullah to the prestigious halls of Oxford, his journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. With a distinction in LLB from the University of Aberdeen and a DPhil pursuit at Oxford’s Law Department, Israr’s ascent echoes the spirit of past Pakistani luminaries, inspiring youth globally to defy limits and pursue excellence.  He is the youngest of 13 siblings and completed his primary education in his village before going on to study in Abbottabad, Lahore, and the United States for his matriculation and intermediate studies.

A Journey of Resilience: Israr Kakar’s upbringing in the Qilla Abdullah district of Baluchistan speaks volumes about his perseverance and determination. Despite facing challenges, his unwavering commitment to academic excellence led him to pursue a DPhil program at Oxford’s renowned Law Department.

Breaking Barriers: Israr Kakar’s election as the third Pakistani and the first from Baluchistan to lead the Oxford Union is a historic milestone. His achievement not only brings honor to his homeland but also serves as a source of inspiration for youth across marginalized communities, proving that talent knows no boundaries. Prior to Israr Kakar, Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1977 and Ahmed Nawaz, a survivor of deadly APS attack of 2014 had also achieved this success.

A symbol of hope: Israr Kakar’s presidency at the Oxford Union is more than just a personal triumph; it breaks barriers and challenges stereotypes. His success offers hope and aspiration for the youth of Baluchistan and beyond, highlighting the transformative impact of empowerment and access to global platforms.

Fostering Dialogue, Preventing Extremism: As the Oxford Union President, Israr can use this platform to highlight issues faced by Balochistan, fostering global dialogue and understanding. He can help bridge cultural and regional gaps by promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse groups, which is crucial in preventing extremism.  By showcasing a successful alternative to extremism through education and dialogue, Israr’s story can deter youth from turning to extremist ideologies and can provide hope and tangible opportunities for young people, reducing the factors that contribute to radicalization, such as lack of education and employment.