=> LAHORE – Amid security threats and shortage of tim
LAHORE – Amid security threats and shortage of time, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has resorted to unconventional way to reach out to the people as a part of his election campaign. So adapting an untraditional, novel or rather modern method PML-N has launched a telephone campaign to convey its message across the country.
It is learnt the telephone campaign launched by PML-N is a test practice. Nawaz League think tank will evaluate its effectiveness through feedback likely to be received by different circles. After observing its pros and cons, the campaign would be launched formally three days before the February 18 polls. It is believed that If PML-N starts telephone campaign for polls, it would be first of its kind in the election history of Pakistan. These days more and more people in the City have started receiving frequent phone calls at the local telephone numbers of strange kind. On picking up the receivers, PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Shairf’s message recorded on machines starts playing. Message opens with the words, “I am Nawaz Sharif, Quiad of PML-N.”
Message further says quoting words of Nawaz, “ If you want Pakistan free of all crises, come out of your houses on February 18 to put stamp on lion, party’s election symbol.”
PML-N Spokesman Saddiqul Farooq said the telephone campaign had been switched on as a test system. “We will weigh up its productivity and if we feel that it would yield the positive results, election campaign will be started three days ahead of polls,” he concluded.
As the election campaign is not catching traditional rhythm and people are showing insensitivity and indifference towards electioneering due to deteriorating law and order situation, PML-N has explored the novel way to get the massage conveyed with the help of telephone.
PML-N claims that because party does not want to get restricted to billboard advertisements on roadsides and busiest squares, hoisting of flags, banners, posters, wall-chalking and handbill, it has tried to do something different.
It is not the unique step to contact people indirectly. PML-Q leaders had contacted the people through sending SMS on cellular phones of people as a part of their election campaign one month back when polls were to be held on January 8 but were rescheduled to February 18 due to assassination of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. Election campaign through SMS is learnt to have already been used in different campaigns during Bar Council elections, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry campaign and Lahore Press Club elections.
Different mobile phone companies have also started providing regular SMS updates for the forthcoming general elections. The SMS services provides customers with updates profiles of various political parties and prominent political candidates.
Source: The Nation
Date:2/10/2008
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