Mobilink's success recognized at Mobile World Congress Barcelona

ISLAMABAD: February 25, 2008 - Mobilink, the country's market leader in cellular communication with more than 30 million customers and part of Orascom Telecom, received premier recognition at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) which concluded in Barcelona recently. The company's contribution to Pakistan's economic and social growth and bringing Pakistani's together was highlighted by the international media at this event.

The mobile phone industry in Pakistan has grown exponentially and with "more than 65 million people using mobile phones each day in Pakistan, the country is much more wired together", furthermore, "cellphones are bringing Pakistanis together" said the International Herald Tribune reporting on the huge success of MWC in the Spanish city.

Special recognition was also earned by Mobilink for its CSR efforts in the country when the international media reported, "It was just one of a number of examples at the congress, the largest of its kind, on how the mobile technology sector is contributing know-how and resources to improve lives, particularly in rural regions of developing countries, both philanthropically and for business reasons."

Zouhair A. Khaliq, President & CEO Mobilink commented on their strong CSR initiatives and stated that "in Pakistan, the GSMA development fund is working with us in a unique project to get low cost handsets and PCO's with prepaid cards to lady health care workers in remote villages. The ultimate goal is to allow ready access via phone, to resources from larger centers, and work towards improving infant mortality rates and maternal risks. The health workers also have the option to sell air time from their phones as an additional source of income. "

Mobilink presence at this international forum, which is the largest in its category, made a mark for Pakistan as it generated tremendous interest with regard to the development and use of mobile phone technology in Pakistan. Mobilink's success story was recognized as an eye-opener for people who had converged from all parts of the world. "We are happy to have made a positive contribution to Pakistan's image internationally" commented Zouhair A. Khaliq.