Mobilink: Pakistan Confers ‘Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam’ on Orascom’s Naguib Sawiris
'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Report

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the 59TH Independence Day of Pakistan, the President General Pervez Musharraf conferred the country’s prestigious “Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam” award upon Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of Orascom Group for services rendered to the people of Pakistan in the field of telecommunication, investments and social sector work.

Naguib Sawiris is a distinguished Egyptian citizen and the Chairman and CEO of Orascom Telecom (OT). Mobilink, Pakistan’s largest cellular service is a subsidiary of OT and thus, Sawiris holds the distinction of being the largest private foreign investor in the field of telecommunication in Pakistan with investments currently standing at more than US$1.7 billion.

The Presidential citation announcing the award read, “Orascom Telecom’s operation in Pakistan, Mobilink, started in 1994 and today has 56% market share with over 18 million subscribers. Mobilink has been the pioneer in introducing GSM cellular networks in Pakistan and has established itself as the major cellular company covering almost every city of the country”.

It further said, “The Group’s investments in Pakistan include the setting up of an under sea cable from Karachi to Fujera to meet increased international call traffic which was completed in April 2006. Mobilink is also laying a 6000 km long optic fiber cable network in Pakistan.

The sister company of Orascom Telecom (OT), Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) has also invested in the cement sector in Pakistan to the tune of US$300 million.”

Citing his contribution to the people of Pakistan, it said, “Beyond corporate excellence, Mobilink, under the visionary leadership of Naguib Sawiris also played a leading role in fulfilling its social responsibilities to assist the victims of the October earthquake in Pakistan.

In a demonstration of his commitment to the people of Pakistan, Sawiris directed his company to set up a base camp of relief operations in Mansehra and setup multiple free call centres from where the bereaved people could call their families.”

“In that moment of crisis Orascom Telecom and Mobilink contributed Rs.110 million to the earthquake victims, in addition to the winterized tents and donation of goods also provided by the company. In this hour of need Mr. Naguib Sawiris offered to extend any kind of further assistance to the Government of Pakistan that might help in alleviating the suffering of the people of Pakistan.”

For his services in the field of telecommunication, his confidence in Pakistan’s economy and his assistance to the people of Pakistan at the time of crisis; the President of Pakistan is pleased to confer upon Mr. Naguib Sawiris “Sitar-e-Quaid-e-Azam”.

Bilal Sheikh's Tributes to Mehdi Hasan

Yet another report says that Mobilink, the country’s largest cellular service provider has creatively revived the all-time classic song of legendary maestro Mehdi Hasan ‘Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai’ as part of Pakistan’s 59TH Independence Day celebrations.

The re-energized video of the memorable song captures the true essence of unity and independence.

In keeping with the spirit of Pakistan’s independence day celebration, the video will be the highlight of Mobilink’s fortnight-long national day festivities in August which include press ads, hoardings, banners at franchises, giveaways at customer services centers, and television commercials.

“Legends of the likes of Mehdi Hasan and the late Madame Noor Jehan have given the people of Pakistan memorable songs for all times; their contribution to Pakistan’s music is entwined in the making of our nation, and we at Mobilink are proud to revive the memories left behind by our stalwarts for today’s and future generations.” Said Bilal Munir Sheikh, Vice President Marketing, Mobilink.

The legendary King of Ghazals is recognized throughout the world and in particular the sub-continent as music’s undisputed artist.

His contribution to classical music in Pakistan is of historical proportions which has won him the coveted President of Pakistan Pride of Performance award for his outstanding services to the nation.

Actor Shaan who has directed the Mobilink’s Independence video was of the opinion, “The remake of the song ‘Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai’ is appreciative because of the fact that Mobilink has once again taken the lead in recognizing the contributions made by legendary artistes of Pakistan.

This video is the second in sequel after the tremendous success of an earlier version made to honor the indomitable Malika Tarranum Noor Jehan.”

Akbar Khan, Head of Brands said, “Truly these legends are the genuine assets of Pakistan, the Mehdi Hasan video is both a tribute to the King of Ghazal as well as an opportunity to uplift the joys of freedom and unity in this festive month of August for each and every Pakistani.”

As every year Mobilink celebrates the Independence day with the nation and speak the language of freedom, it continues to play its role as the country’s most prolific promoter of music, the arts and sports, including the revival of ‘going to the movies’ and numerous other entertainment and charitable causes – an appreciative gesture which binds the people of Pakistan as a nation.

Mobilink and Strings

A spokesman of Mobilink told 'Pakistan Times' [Daily Web Newspaper] on Friday that Mobilink, the country’s market leader in cellular services and part of the Orascom Telecom group and Strings, Pakistan’s versatile international band group, have teamed up to bring a combination of rhythm and song to people who love quality music and a fun-filled lifestyle.

Defining the partnership between Pakistan’s favourite cellular company and country’s leading musical group, Bilal Munir Sheikh, Vice President Marketing, Mobilink said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce Strings as Brand Ambassadors for Mobilink World.

We share the same passion of making Pakistan proud and stand out in the world by achieving new milestones. It is our commitment to the people of Pakistan that we foster healthy entertainment for the youth of the country and by and large, the entire population who are always looking for effective communication, and quality music, respectively.”

Mobilink World focuses on providing a wide array of value added services to Mobilink customers. Some of the recent and innovative services launched by Mobilink World are EDGE, Mobitunes, WAP Portal, G:i:30 and other GPRS based services.

Commenting on the association with Mobilink World, Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood of Strings opined, “Strings is very excited about the partnership with the biggest telecom operator in the country.

We are confident that this association will benefit Mobilink customers as it gives them exclusive access to our music and us. They will be able to download our music through Mobilink services and in addition we have other plans for the coming year which will definitely excite our fans. Strings and Mobilink will try and use new communication methods to distribute music to the end user. ”

Akbar Khan, Head of Brands, Mobilink speaking on the occasion said, “Our Brand partners Strings are one of the few musical bands which have achieved consistent commercial success in Pakistan and across the world. From songs for Spiderman 2 to MTV Asia Awards, Strings have experienced it all.

They enjoy unprecedented fame at the top and with performances in more then 50 countries, Strings are truly a global success.”

Mobilink customers will benefit enormously from this partnership as they will have access to exclusive Strings content which includes their songs, ring tones & wallpapers, concert invitations, exclusive promotional offers which will enable them to meet their favourite musicians. A host of other exciting things are also included in the partnership which will bring Strings closer to valued customers of the Mobilink World.

Pakistani Woman in JAZZ Ladies First

Meanwhile Mobilink, the most popular cellular services with more than 18 million subscribers and part of the Orascom Telecom group, today launched a special package designed for the women of Pakistan.

The new brand extension called “JAZZ Ladies First” has been designed to recognize and cater to Pakistani women in our society through special offers and services built within the product.

Based on in-depth research and study of this market segment; their usage, attitude and lifestyle, there was a need for a differentiated product. JAZZ Ladies First is a specially-tailored package, bundled with a host of attractive incentives, being targeted at the home maker/ house wife.

The idea behind the product launch was to pay tribute to the Pakistani woman for her contribution to and role in society. They are the ‘silent heroes’ who have a job to perform 24/7 and yet rarely get the acknowledgment and appreciation for their contribution to our society.

Akbar Khan, Head of Brands, Mobilink while commenting on the launch of yet ‘another first’ by the company said, “Mobilink has once again taken the pioneering step in being the first cellular services company in Pakistan to design an incentive package especially customized for ladies.

Today’s home maker is a lot more aware, savvy and sure of herself, than women were a few decades ago. She has her own needs in addition to the needs of her family and she is self- assured and confident. JAZZ Ladies First is intended to create enjoyable moments with family & friends, bonding with loved ones and making relationships more fulfilling.”

The special package allows women to be at their best, in whatever they do. It is a package that empowers women to be the ‘best’ in terms of juggling responsibilities and performing multiple roles in our society. JAZZ Ladies First is their ‘time-out’ allowing them to fulfill their interests, indulge and pamper themselves.

Kiran Parvez, Brand Manager, JAZZ said, “Women in our society are faced with the challenge of fulfilling multiple roles; i.e. of a daughter, spouse, mother, sister, friend/confidant; as home maker. Family, relationships and future well being of husband and children means the world to them. Jazz Ladies First is her secret tool that empowers her to get everything done with ease and finesse along with the things that she loves to do for herself – and done to perfection, leaving others wondering “how does she do it?”

JAZZ Ladies First offers a bundle of value added services: ranging from beauty tips, cooking recipes, health notes, home & food to entertainment, all via SMS . Special discounted call rates between 3pm – 6pm help her to stay connected with friends and family. With lower outgoing call rates from 2nd minute onwards, members can stretch calls for a longer duration. With Jazz Ladies First Discount Card women can shop at prominent outlets and avail discounts while staying within their budget.

The package promises to fully empower and equip the women in Pakistan with the tools needed to lead a successful and fulfilling life.

About Mobilink

Mobilink, a part of the Orascom Telecom Group, is Pakistan’s leading cellular service provider with more than 55% of the total market share.

It has a customer base of more than 18 million members and provides the most extensive coverage footprint across Pakistan with more than 1000 cities, towns, villages and countless destinations and true International Roaming in over 100 countries with more than 300 partner operators worldwide.

Mobilink achieved the number one position in terms of overall growth rate in the Asia Pacific region for 2005. Orascom Telecom, Mobilink’s parent company, has grown to become a major player in the telecommunication market in the world and is a leading mobile telecommunications company operating in seven emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia with over 35 million subscribers as of December, 2005."

For more information, please contact: Omar Manzur, Manager Public Relations, Mobilink Omar.MA @ mobilink.net●