PTI uses AI for Imran Khan’s address at its virtual rally

AI is reported to have been used for PakistanTehreek e Insaf founder Imran Khan’s address at PTI’s virtual rally held online late Sunday evening.

As reported, a four-minute duration audio clip featuring the imprisoned PTI former chairman’s voice was generated by the aid artificial intelligence (AI) to address a virtual rally.

Reports suggest that the AI-generated clip in the starting four-second bit of the video was taken from one of Imran Khan’s old videos where he addresses his supporters in his orthodox style. The rest of the clip was overlaid with footage of Imran Khan’s addresses at rallies and still images.

The audio was broadcast at the end of a five-hour live stream of speeches by PTI supporters on Facebook, X and YouTube.

However, the internet services and social media applications suffered a breakdown during the PTI’s virtual rally, Jibran Ilyas, whose bio on X says he is the PTI Social Media Lead, clarified that Founding Chairman Imran Khan’s was made with the help of AI.

“My fellow Pakistanis, I would first like to praise the social media team for this historic attempt,” the voice mimicking PTI founder Imran Khan said.

“Maybe you all are wondering how I am doing in jail,” the stilted voice said, adding “Today, my determination for real freedom is very strong.”

Imran Khan sent a shorthand script through lawyers which was fleshed out into his rhetorical lingo, according to the PTI, according to an AFP report.

The text was then dubbed into audio using a tool from AI firm ElevenLabs, which boasts the ability to create a “voice clone” from existing speech samples, the France-based news agency said.

The audio was broadcast at the end of a five-hour live stream of speeches by PTI supporters on Facebook, X and YouTube, and was overlaid with historical footage of Imran Khan and still images.

This PTI’s antics have raised several eyebrows, questioning the use of AI for political purposes.