Imran Khan’s PTI Harnesses Artificial Intelligence to Resurrect Leader’s Voice Amidst Repression and Censorship
In a groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently detained since August, defied censorship to address the nation and campaign for the upcoming 2024 legislative elections. Despite facing legal challenges and internet blackouts, the AI-reconstructed voice of the 71-year-old leader resonated in a four-minute message released by his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), garnering over 4.5 million virtual attendees.
Imran Khan’s reconstructed voice expressed gratitude for the historic attempt and highlighted the strength of his commitment to real freedom. The former cricketer, facing charges including the alleged leak of state documents, believes these accusations are an attempt to sideline him from the February 2024 legislative elections. No credible evidence has been presented to justify the arrest of the highly popular politician, leading many in the international community to denounce his detention as unjust and an act of moral cowardice by his opponents.
The PTI’s social media team played a pivotal role in orchestrating this virtual campaign, overcoming challenges posed by internet restrictions. Despite a seven-hour restriction on social networks, PTI successfully broadcasted the artificial message, marking a significant achievement in the face of censorship.
Jibran Ilyas, PTI’s social media manager based in the United States, emphasized the necessity of the artificial intervention, stating, “No PTI political meeting is complete without Imran Khan.” He highlighted that the use of AI allowed them to circumvent repression and ensure Khan’s voice continued to be heard.
The process involved Khan transmitting a brief text through his lawyers, which was then transformed into an oral speech by a clone of his voice created from past speeches. The technology employed by ElevenLabs, an AI startup, played a crucial role in transforming text into a lifelike speech.
Imran Khan’s ban from the airwaves earlier, following his arrest in May, did not deter the PTI from finding innovative ways to convey his message. This latest AI-driven approach is seen as a resilient response to the challenges faced by politicians in Pakistan, where legal proceedings are often viewed as orchestrated by the powerful military often regarded as corrupt.
The use of AI in political campaigns, particularly in regions facing censorship and repression, showcases the potential of technology to empower voices and enable leaders to connect with their constituents even in challenging circumstances. As Pakistan gears up for the 2024 legislative elections, this innovative use of AI sets a precedent for harnessing technology to overcome obstacles and ensure the continuation of political discourse.
