Kabul – 14th June 2016

As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Etisalat Afghanistan launched its Food Distribution Program in Kabul. Through this program, Etisalat team visits local Masjids at Iftar time to give food to fasting people throughout Ramadan.

‘The purpose of this program is to promote the culture of sharing our fortune with underprivileged segment of the society.’ said Dr. Salah, CEO of Etisalat Afghanistan, ‘By giving a food package, you can ensure that some poor people receive a nourishing Iftar. Thus, we aim to donate more than 4500 packs of cooked food to needy during Ramadan.’

Giving to society and bringing positive change in peoples` life are areas where Etialat has been focused on. Etisalat`s food distribution and restoration of Masjids are company`s contribution to establish a sustainable community. The company also launches yearly blood donation campaign to help patients in need of blood transfusion, provides fund for areas impacted by natural disaster and organizes annual Quran contest to promote Islamic values in the country.

Dr Salah also said, ‘We believe that supporting social and humanitarian activities is a must for every carport. We need to give back to societies where operate.’

In addition to offering world class voice and data services and having a unique customer care culture, Etisalat has been able to create jobs, bring positive change in people`s life, provide youths with educational opportunities and support Afghans towards self-reliance.

Kabul – 1st June 2016

As a part of its commitment to support Afghans and to meet the daily needs of Afghan hospitals and be prepared for emergencies, Etisalat launched the third phase of its yearly blood donation campaign on 1 June 2016, in Kabul. The campaign, started in 2014, serves raise awareness about the importance of blood donation in the community and promotes the culture of sharing and connecting with others.

‘We understand that our donated blood eases people’s access to safe and sufficient blood and helps those in urgent need of blood transfusion. Using this opportunity, we strongly encourage other members of the society to donate blood and save precious lives.’ Said Dr. Salah Zerguerras, CEO of Etisalat Afghanistan.

Etisalat launches this yearly campaign to extend a helping hand towards those sick people who are in need of blood transfusion, invite more blood donors and raise awareness of need of blood donation.

‘While we are proud and appreciative of Etisalat employees, we need others to join them in this humanitarian act and help their own people who are in need of blood donation.’ said head of Central Blood Bank of Afghanistan, ‘We assure all the donors that their donated blood will only be given to deserving patients.’

As a part of its social responsibilities, Etisalat Afghanistan has been committed to support Afghanistan in the areas of health, education and other key areas that lead the country toward a better tomorrow.

Kabul –14th June 2016

The 9th annual Quran recitation contest, organized by Etisalat, came to an end on 13th June. To mark the closing of the contest, a ceremony was held in Kabul and was attended by dignitaries from ministry of Hajj and Islamic affairs, VIPs from Afghanistan government, MPs, Etisalat and Shamshad TV management, media representatives, friends and families of participants.

Speaking on the closing ceremony, Dr. Salah Zerguerras, CEO of Etisalat Afghanistan said, 'We give a significant priority to Islamic culture and has always considered promoting and sponsoring programs that will help strengthen Islamic culture amongst the people of Afghanistan, especially amongst the youth.’
Dr. Salah congratulated the winners of the contest and presented them with certificates and cash prizes. He also wished the people of Afghanistan a blissful holy month of Ramadan.

The yearly contest is organized by Etisalat to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and to promote Islamic values among youths.
‘As an Islamic company, Etisalat has always served Afghans and promoted cultural values within Afghanistan. Etisalat Quran contest helps encourage more people to read, understand and spread the message of Allah`s book which is peace and humanity.’ said Qari Barakatullah Saleem.

Ahmad Shah, winner of the first position said, ‘On behalf of all the participants, I would like to thank Etisalat for organizing these annual contests and giving us this big platform to exhibit our skills, learn from each other`s experience and meet our fellow Qaris from across Afghanistan. We ask other private business to support the same causes so that the young generation should have access to educational programs.’ 

According to program format, preliminary selection round starts in all zones concurrently and once the participants qualify for the next rounds, they come to Kabul to compete for the title of ‘Best Qari’.

The event is projected as the biggest such show ever in Afghanistan's recent history, and is believed to play a role in bringing Afghan youth closer to their rich heritage. The contestants are judged based on memorization, Tajweed rules and melodic recitation of the Holly Quran. At the end of the contest, top five Qaries receive certificates along with cash prizes.

Etisalat first launched Quran contest in 2008 which turned into one of the most watched TV program in the country. Etisalat annual Quran contest, hosts a huge number of youths from across Afghanistan every year.

The contest has proved to be very useful in introducing top reciters to Afghan society, as the winners of previous seasons were able to represent Afghanistan in Dubai International Quran Competition in UAE.