Mobilink joins hands with WFP to initiate SMS donation service

Islamabad, 29 March 2007: Mobilink, Pakistan's leading cellular service and part of the Orascom Telecom Group with more than 24 million customers, today announced its support to World Food Program by launching an SMS service to raise funds and to provide food and nutritious supplements for chronically malnourished individuals.

Mobilink has signed an agreement with the United Nation's World Food Program, the world's largest humanitarian organization. Every year, more than 90 million people in 80 countries count on WFP to provide life-saving food in emergencies and nutritious supplements for people, especially women and children. According to the agreement, Mobilink customers will be able to donate Rs. 10 (plus tax) through SMS messages sent to 6446.

Mobilink has actively been donating to various non-government organizations and charities including The Citizens Foundation, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, Roshni Homes, and Zindagi Trust. It also encourages its large customer base to contribute generously through its SMS donation services.

"It is this sprit of giving back to the community and makes our presence felt in other ways that we welcome initiatives like this one. Mobilink is very proud to be part of this noble cause and supports this idea of highlighting the issues that need urgent attention. We are indeed reshaping lives and are in the quest of finding new and innovative ways to touch people's lives in a more meaningful and constructive way". Said Bilal Munir Sheikh Vice President Marketing.

WFP operates two programs in Pakistan, including its Country Programme-10269.0 (2005-2009) and its Post-Earthquake Recovery 0peration-10504.0 (Apr 06-Mar 08). In 2006, WFP reached nearly 3.5 million food insecure people in Pakistan, including 847,799 individuals participating directly in program activities, and 2.7 million family members supported indirectly through take-home food, tools, and equipment.

"We are very grateful to Mobilink for supporting our efforts. WFP program in Pakistan help improve food production and food security for impoverished people. Food is used to support training of women and livelihoods creation. We highly appreciate such a crucial fundraising and awareness campaign to support operations that suffer from funding shortfalls," said Michael Jones, WFP Country Representative in Pakistan.