Image Credits : Reuters
Pakistan’s incarcerated former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, employed artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a speech during a virtual rally on Sunday. The innovative approach was prompted by the prohibition of public rallies for Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, as the country gears up for general elections on Feb 8.
Addressing the challenges his party faces, Khan’s AI-crafted speech highlighted the limitations imposed on their public engagement. “Our party is not allowed to hold public rallies,” he lamented in the audio clip, urging supporters to participate robustly in the upcoming elections despite adversities. Khan emphasized the alleged harassment of party members’ families and the kidnapping of individuals associated with the political group.
The virtual rally, broadcast on various social media platforms, garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.4 million views on YouTube and attracting tens of thousands of live viewers. However, the event was marred by internet disruptions, raising concerns about the transparency of the forthcoming elections. Users across the nation reported slow internet speeds and streaming issues, attributing them to possible throttling—a technique employed by telecoms regulators to restrict streaming on apps.
Pakistan’s telecoms regulator acknowledged the disruptions and assured the public that an investigation was underway. Despite the interruptions, the regulator maintained that overall internet accessibility appeared to be normal, attempting to allay fears of systemic issues affecting the digital landscape.
Officials from Khan’s party clarified that the AI-generated speech was crafted from a written version approved by the incarcerated leader, currently serving a three-year sentence on graft charges since August 5. The party justified the virtual rally as a response to a state-backed crackdown on physical gatherings, coupled with restrictions preventing their leader from media appearances.
Khan, entangled in numerous court cases, faces legal challenges, including trials held behind closed doors while he remains imprisoned. Legal experts argue that such proceedings infringe upon Khan’s right to fair trials. The use of AI to deliver his message underscores the lengths to which the party is willing to go to circumvent restrictions on traditional means of communication.
As the election date approaches, the blend of AI technology, internet disruptions, and political constraints sets the stage for a unique and challenging electoral landscape in Pakistan. The virtual rally serves as a testament to the evolving strategies political figures adopt to navigate unprecedented circumstances and connect with their electorate in an era of increasing digital influence.