Pakistan’s favorite cellular service Mobilink & Box Office to invest $20m
'Pakistan Times' National News Desk

KARACHI: Mobilink Pakistan and Box Office Thursday joined hands to bring an action packed thriller block buster ‘Mission Impossible III’ to Pakistan in a bid to revive cinema and probably the entire industry in the country.

Addressing a press conference here at Pearl Continental CEO of Cinepax Arif Baig Mohammad said the Box Office was proud to present the Paramount blockbuster after the success of Universal’s ‘King Kong’.

He revealed that their contribution to revival of cinema in Pakistan will be to construct 120 screens countrywide with an investment of USD 20 million at most suitable locations where people can enjoy big screen entertainment hassle free.

Mobilink, Pakistan’s favorite cellular service provider and part of the Orascom Telecom group with over 16 million customers has also attained the ‘leading role’ in the revival of Cinema in Pakistan.

Their diversified intentions from Information Technology is being considered as a bold step and a significant change for more entertainment for its consumers and general public.

The company has joined hands with Box Office to bring Mission Impossible III (MI3) releasing on June 16 nationwide to the delight of cinemagoers across the country.

Recognized as the fastest growing telecom company in the country, Mobilink has also been appreciated for promoting quality entertainment in the country to people from all walks of life.

With its long line of previous successes in promoting arts, culture, music and now movies, Mobilink proves its corporate social responsibility, not just to its customers, the industry but the country at large.

Commenting on the occasion today, Akbar Khan, Head of Brands, Mobilink said, “Cinema thrives in all parts of the world bringing quality entertainment to people but unfortunately, the industry in Pakistan has long been ignored and not patronized.

As the cinema industry opens to foreign imports, Mobilink recognizes that it is necessary to generate a culture around it so people may actually step up to this form of entertainment once again,”

Box Office’s initiative to bring Mission Impossible III (MI3) in Pakistan was therefore appreciated by Mobilink.

The company has launched a full fledged interactive media campaign to promote the film throughout the country which includes a countrywide SMS quiz giving customers a chance to attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Mission Impossible ill (MI3) in Lahore and Karachi, respectively. .

Furthermore, official MI3 downloads are also being made available on the Mobilink website for its customers; as well as movie tickets on a weekly basis through a download based draw. “All these exciting and entertaining activities have been planned not just for Mobilink’s valued customers but for all people interested in going to the movies,” Akbar Khan added.

Mobilink PR Chief Omar Manzur

Speaking on the occasion Omar Manzur said film viewing is not limited to going to cinemas only so Mobilink aims at creating a complete film experience by bringing the film closer to people through ring tones, wallpapers, logos and other means.

By rolling out the MI3 promotion it hopes to create a euphoria and excitement about the film and get people to the cinemas to watch it.

Giving details of their plans Arif Baig said: “Additional Box Office releases include Disney’s ‘Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ and the upcoming ‘Fast and Furious 3’, ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Miami Vice’.

The premier show today revealed that viewers in Pakistan will see Tom Cruise, one of the most exciting and successful stars in the world return to one of his signature roles, in “Mission: Impossible III” In this pulse—racing, mind-bending action thriller, agent Ethan Hunt confronts the toughest villain he’s ever faced - Owen Davian (Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman), on international weapons and information provider with no remorse and no conscience.

Mobilink, is Pakistan’s leading cellular service provider with more than 56 percent of the total market share.

The network has a customer base of over 16 million members and provides the most extensive coverage footprint across Pakistan with more than 750 cities, towns, villages and countless destinations and true International roaming in over 100 countries with more than 300 partner operators worldwide.

Box Office is Pakistan’s premier film distribution company for arrangements with major Hollywood film studios including Buena Vista International, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Dreamworks amongst others.

Box Office supports the cinema exhibition and distribution industries of Pakistan to encourage the growth of a healthy and thriving cinema market. Box Office is committed to combating the piracy elements that diminish this market and violate international anti-piracy laws.●