ISLAMABAD: The days of the resounding 'Go Musharraf Go' ringtones seem to be over in Pakistan. The latest fad is to host dedicated phone lines which fuel propaganda aimed at hastening President Pervez Musharraf's 'exit'.
One such campaign, 'Go Musharraf Go', is being run from a dedicated phone line in Lahore. 'Musharraf haters' can call in and listen to anti-Musharraf slogans and songs and even record their own messages.
An unknown group in Lahore, which wants to 'help save the
Country', has launched the phone line for those who want 'to hasten the President's exit'.
A man who identifies himself as Zahir Ahmed Mir welcomes callers to the 'Go Musharraf Go' phone line.
"Dial 1 to listen to (top lawyer) Aitzaz Ahsan, dial 2 to listen to anti-Musharraf songs, dial 3 to record your anti-Musharraf message and dial 4 to listen to public opinion about Musharraf," the recorded message says.
A longish song 'Go Musharraf Go' plays out, 'Bachana hai agar mulk ko, to milkar sab bolo go Musharraf go', on pressing the digit 2.
The anonymous group has also launched a website 'gomusharrafgo.com', where Pakistanis can log in and share their sentiments about the President.
Till about six months ago, anti-Musharraf ringtones were a hit on Pakistani phones. The resounding 'Go Musharraf Go' ringtones made head turns and brought a wry smile to the faces of many. Though these ringtones are still played out, they are not hot anymore.
Savvy anti-Musharraf texts are a bigger hit. According to one estimate, thousands of messages are circulated by those opposed to the President each day.
One such text message goes, "Who will be saved if a boat carrying Musharraf and his Corps commanders sinks?" The answer, of course, is 'Pakistan'.
An SMS in the form of a mock letter from Musharraf is also being circulated: "Imagine the pleasure of living in a land where the chief justice cannot get justice for himself and the army chief, security for his life."
There are also funny Musharraf clips that have been posted on YouTube.
The PML-Q, the party that backs Musharraf, was routed in the February 18 general election, which was swept by the opposition Pakistan People's Party and the PML-N.
