Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan continues defeating all odds to connect with his supporters innovatively despite being incarcerated.
On Sunday around 9 PM, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hosted a “virtual Jalsa,” an online rally culminating in a four-minute speech. Interestingly, the speech, penned by Khan, was delivered using an AI voice that replicated the former cricket star’s tone and style.
This AI-aided address garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.5 million views on YouTube within 12 hours. “This was a no-brainer for us,” PTI’s social media chief Jibran Ilyas told AFP. “No PTI political rally is complete without Imran Khan.” The AI voice conveyed Khan’s message, praising the team’s innovative approach and addressing the nation’s challenges.
Challenges and Allegations Amidst Election Preparations
However, the virtual event was marred by reports of reduced internet speeds and restricted social media access, raising questions about the fairness of the upcoming elections. There have been allegations of gerrymandering and censorship against Khan and his party. Khan’s AI speech touched on these issues, highlighting the plight of his supporters and family members facing harassment.
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s most popular politician as of March, was ousted in April 2022 and later arrested, with charges that he and his supporters claim are politically motivated. AI in this rally marks a unique approach in political campaigning, particularly where physical rallies are restricted.
