Arab Mobile Communication Studies

Norway's Telenor has become unexpectedly involved in the ongoing controversy over the "Islamic Cartoons" after their Pakistan subsidiary was attacked in protest over the publication of the cartoons, reports Cellular News.

"The company has been forced to close down its offices in Karachi and significantly step up security at their Islamabad head office. The company has also withdrawn advertising hordings to prevent them being damaged.

... Last week, a crowd of some 5,000 protesters pelted stones at the Telenor office in Attock and set it on fire. Some customers have also started boycotting the network and are urging other Telenor customers to switch from the network to other mobile operators. "

Telenor Pakistan's Official Press Spokesperson said "We are stunned to be a target of violence in the recent days. We thank God that there have been no casualties."

"Telenor is NOT involved with the caricature incident in any way and so we have kept quiet as it was not our place to speak on this very sensitive issue. However, we have considered it utterly deplorable.

He added "Telenor has a long term commitment in Pakistan. We have shown that by building the fastest growing network in the country. We have also shown it through our commitment to help victims of the earthquake when disaster struck our fellows. We are committed to our fellow Pakistanis and stand by them."

Last week, a crowd of some 5,000 protesters pelted stones at the Telenor office in Attock and set it on fire. Some customers have also started boycotting the network and are urging other Telenor customers to switch from the network to other mobile operators.

Norway's Telenor has become unexpectedly involved in the ongoing controversy over the "Islamic Cartoons" after their Pakistan subsidiary was attacked in protest over the publication of the cartoons. The company has been forced to close down its offices in Karachi and significantly step up security at their Islamabad head office. The company has also withdrawn advertising hordings to prevent them being damaged.