Israr Kakar, a student, who hails from Balochistan – one of the most backward provinces of Pakistan, created history by becoming the president of Oxford Union. The lawyer by profession became the first in Balochistan and third in Pakistan to achieve the feat by taking over as the president of the renowned debating society. Notably, the Oxford Union has a long history as it’s been deemed as a considerably very old and prestigious debating society that was founded in 1823.

“Coming from a remote village on Pak- Afghan border in Balochistan, this is beyond what I ever imagined. I am incredibly grateful to the members of the Oxford Union for their trust in electing me as President, and to my team for believing in me,” Israr wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Kakar had humble beginnings when he decided to step out of a small village in the Qila Abdullah district to pursue higher studies. He is currently pursuing DPhil education at Oxford’s Law Department. A report by The Dawn informed that Ishrar’s elder brother was also a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.

Who Is Ishrar Kakar?

Ishrar belongs to the Gharghashti Pashtun tribe, which is based in Afghanistan, and has its presence in parts of Iran and northern Balochistan.

“I am incredibly grateful to the members of the Oxford Union for placing their trust in me. This achievement will inspire the next generation of aspiring young people from humble backgrounds,” Kakar told Geo News.

Israr is the youngest of 13 siblings, and second in his family to enroll in Oxford as a student. He completed his primary education in his village before studying in Abbottabad, Lahore, and the United States. He earned his LLB honors from the University of Aberdeen with distinction and pursued Bar at Law from Lincoln’s Inn on a fully-funded scholarship.

Israr Kakar was elected as Oxford Union President on Saturday. He has been known as an active participant and organizer of debates with some high-profile guests at the varsity.