Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan utilizes AI voice clone to campaign for General Elections from jail

In Islamabad, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has kicked off his election campaign for the 2024 polls. Despite facing legal troubles and being jailed, Khan addressed his supporters at a PTI Rally with the aid of artificial intelligence. This comes after his arrest in August, following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. Subsequently, he faced additional charges of leaking classified documents, which he vehemently denies. Khan alleges that these charges are a tactic to prevent him from participating in the upcoming general elections in February 2024.

Despite being in jail, Imran Khan is determined to contest the elections. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-lnsaaf (PTI) party, unable to hold public rallies, employed artificial intelligence to create a voice clone for Khan. Using the services of AI Firm ElevenLabs, PTI organized a “virtual rally” where the AI-generated voice clone delivered a four-minute message. The internet disruptions in the country did not deter PTI, as the virtual jalsa was live-streamed on various social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, and more.

Imran Khan, in a pre-recorded message sent through his lawyers, expressed gratitude to the social media team for their historic attempt. The AI clone, mimicking Khan’s voice, assured the audience of his strong determination for real freedom, while historical images and videos of the former PM were displayed during the virtual rally.

The backdrop of Imran Khan’s legal troubles includes his initial arrest in August, linked to the Toshakhana case. The Toshakhana conviction was later suspended, but he faced additional charges of leaking classified documents. The 71-year-old leader consistently denies all allegations, labeling them as baseless and false. Khan believes that these charges are part of a scheme to prevent him from participating in the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

The use of artificial intelligence in generating a voice clone for Imran Khan reflects the innovative approach adopted by PTI in reaching out to the public despite restrictions on public rallies. This virtual rally allowed supporters and followers to engage with Khan’s message, overcoming challenges posed by internet disruptions in the country.

The postponement of the Pakistan General Elections 2023 to February 8, 2024, was attributed to a new digital census conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan. This decision to reschedule the elections has added significance to the upcoming polls, where Imran Khan aims to contest despite the legal hurdles he is facing.

You might also be intersted in – Supreme Court upholds cultural exchange amid calls for Pakistan artist ban