PTI’s Historic Virtual Power Show
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) conducted a groundbreaking virtual Jalsa, a first-of-its-kind event, broadcasted live across all official PTI social media platforms and expertly hosted by the PTI’s social media team.
In the weeks leading up to this historic virtual gathering, PTI had diligently prepared, generating significant anticipation on social media. This enthusiasm arose in the backdrop of concerted efforts by the PDM and caretaker governments to suppress PTI's on-ground activities, obstructing every Jalsa, rally, and workers' convention through the misuse of state machinery, thereby violating their democratic right to assemble and engage in political activities freely.
The fear of Imran Khan's popularity prompted the caretaker government to take drastic measures, including shutting down the internet and slowing down social media platforms in various parts of Pakistan. Netblocks, an Internet monitoring entity, confirmed a "nationwide disruption in social media platforms on Sunday night amid a 'virtual power show' organized by the PTI."
Despite these challenges, the virtual Jalsa gained substantial traction, with hundreds of thousands of people tuning in to watch the event live on various social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
PTI's social media lead, Jibran Illyas, and Ali Malik took charge of hosting a marathon session that extended for nearly 5 hours. The Jalsa commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sibghatullah Virk and a naat by Najam Sheraz.
The virtual gathering saw participation from Pakistanis worldwide, with numerous overseas PTI chapters coordinating small gatherings and events to actively engage in the Jalsa. These international chapters, representing countries such as the US, Canada, UK, Scotland, France, Greece, and Sweden, among others, fervently chanted slogans in support of Imran Khan and Pakistan.
The event featured a succession of speeches from various PTI leaders, some of whom had been in hiding for the past 6 months due to the crackdown and authoritarian measures against PTI following the false flag operation on May 9th.
The roster of speakers at the virtual Jalsa featured a diverse array of leaders, including:
- Seemabia Tahir
- Dr. Shahbaz Gill
- Kanwal Shauzaib
- Zulfi Bukhari
- Muzamil Aslam
- Zartaj Gul Wazir
- Taimurr Ali Jhagra
- Atif Khan
- Firdous Shamim Naqwi
- Ali Muhammad Khan
- Khalid Khurshid
- Qasim Suri
- Ali Amin Gandapur
- Moonis Elahi
- Hammad Azhar
- Raoof Hasan
- Omar Ayub
- GoharKhan
Tributes were extended to all those who have endured and sacrificed for the cause of Haqeeqi Azadi over the past 1.5 years. Emphasis was specifically placed on the women prisoners who have been unjustly held in groundless cases since May 9th. These brave women have displayed remarkable courage and resilience, standing resolute against all forms of fascism.
Videos were broadcast to honor the memory of PTI workers and supporters who lost their lives due to state fascism, including Zille Shah, Ammar Ibad and other martyrs of the Haqeeqi Azadi movement.
The event also paid homage to Pakistan's esteemed journalist, the late Arshad Sharif Shaheed, recognized as a national hero. His life was remembered as one that exemplified unwavering commitment to truth and justice, refusing to compromise on these principles even at the cost of his own life.
PTI’s interim chairman, Gohar Khan, conveyed a significant message during the event, announcing the publication of PTI's election manifesto soon. He underscored that Imran Khan remains, has been, and will always be the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The Jalsa's standout moment occurred with Chairman Imran Khan delivering a special message from Adiala Jail, crafted to be shared exclusively during the PTI virtual gathering. The PTI social media team crafted a video featuring an AI-generated voice playing Imran Khan’s message. This communication deeply resonated with millions, evoking emotions of pain, love, and unwavering passion for their leader Imran Khan.
On PTI's social media platforms, the initial viewership data for the #PTIVirtualJalsa revealed an audience in the millions, reflecting the widespread engagement with the event.
- 1.4 million on Facebook
- 1.2 million on YouTube
- 1.5 million on X space
The PTI's virtual Jalsa dominated the top 5 trends in Pakistan, marking a significant online presence. Journalists, media personalities, analysts, and celebrities collectively hailed this virtual gathering as a massive success, interpreting it as a de facto referendum by the people of Pakistan in anticipation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for the 8th of February 2024.