Mobilink's Independence Day Gift of Song to the Nation

ISLAMABAD: August 6, 2007 - Mobilink, the country's market leader in cellular communications with more than 25 million customers and part of Orascom Telecom, today announced the launch of its special Independence Day video and song "Hum Bolain Azadi Ki Zaban" sung in the melodic voice of Malika-e-Ghazal, Begum Farida Khanum.

The exclusive video is a special 'Gift of Song' from Mobilink to the people of Pakistan, celebrating the 60th anniversary of independence. The occasion, which honors the lifetime achievement of Begum Farida Khanum, is also the third in a series of tributes paid to Pakistani legends who have dedicated their lives and talents to bring decades of entertainment in the country. Mobilink has earlier eulogized the contribution of legendary Madam Nur Jehan and the ghazal maestro Mehdi Hasan.

Farida Khanum is a renowned Pakistani Ghazal singer and has been given the title "Malika-e-Ghazal" (Queen of Ghazal) in recognition and contribution of her singing talents throughout her career, which spans well over five decades. In 2005, she was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Pakistan's highest civilian honors) by the President of Pakistan for services rendered to the country.

The song "Hum Bolain Azadi Ki Zaban" features the great vocal talents of Farida Khanum along with the versatile Najam Sheraz: their first ever on-screen duet. Actor director Shaan, who has proved his professional skills as a director, previously directed tribute videos of Noor Jehan and Mehdi Hassan has directed this video and song. He has artistically portrayed the feelings of kindness, happiness, freedom, and most importantly---unity. The soul-searching video depicts image of togetherness as one nation. Delivering the message of tolerance and strengthening the bond of freedom, love, and unity.

Commenting on the launch of the video, Mr. Zouhair A. Khaliq President and CEO Mobilink said, "One sentiment felt unanimously across Mobilink and Pakistan is immense pride and patriotic emotions we share on this significant day, when Pakistan became an independent and free country. We express our joy and pride by presenting a song to the people of Pakistan, which carries the message of love and tolerance. As a nation, we have come a long way to where we stand today, a strong, vibrant, and fortified nation. Proud and brimming with confidence in different spheres of life. We at Mobilink are in the pursuit of reshaping lives of our people and contribute to this patriotic cause by recognizing Pakistan's most celebrated legends, continuing our focus on paying homage to our heroes of yester years."