Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a spirited speech rallying supporters, generating a voice clone that allowed him to campaign for his party months prior to an anticipated general election. Khan, detained since August on corruption charges, faces accusations of leaking classified documents, which he vehemently denies, alleging an attempt to prevent him from participating in the upcoming polls expected in February.
Media restrictions followed Khan’s arrest, with a ban on broadcasting his speeches after a brief arrest in May triggered deadly riots. Legal proceedings have been shrouded in secrecy, with no public images of Khan in jail or court. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), held an online rally featuring a four-minute AI-generated voice clip overlaying old footage and photographs of Khan, who praised the effort, citing restrictions on public rallies and alleged harassment of party members’ families. The AI voice urged supporters to vote in the upcoming elections.
Khan, known for his anti-corruption stance, rose to power in 2018 but was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Post-ouster rallies drew massive crowds, marking a prolonged period of protests. The Sunday virtual rally, employing AI technology, garnered over 1.4 million views on YouTube, demonstrating the evolving use of AI in politics amid claims of state suppression.
