ARFA ABDUL KARIM RANDHAWA

ARFA KARIM Cause of death‎: ‎Cardiac arrest

Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa (Urdu: ارفع کریم رندھاوا‎‎; 2 February 1995 – 14 January 2012) was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy who, in 2004 at the age of nine, became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). She also at 10, earned a pilot's license. She had her name in Guinness Book of World Records.

 

Historically Her Story

An exploration of women in history

 At the age of 5, Afra saw a computer at her local school and was immediately fascinated. She promptly asked her father to buy her one.

She stated that she got to know how to operate Windows and software and then began making presentations for her family. Her father, Amjad Karim noticed her skill at such a young age and thought that with some professional coaching she could go far. Looking back, he recalls that she had a remarkable memory, perhaps even a photographic one. He persuaded a local IT education and training institute to let her enroll, despite her young age. She thrived, and the institute themselves recommended that she should take the test for Microsoft Certification.

At just the age of 16 while studying for her second year of A-levels, she had an epileptic seizure, which damaged her brain. This led to a cardiac arrest. She was taken to Lahore’s Combined Military hospital but was in critical condition. When Bill Gates heard of this news he helped by setting up a panel of international doctors who kept in contact with her local doctors. Her condition looked hopeful when her brain started to respond to stimuli. But after 26 days in critical condition, on the 14th January 2012, Arfa passed away. She was buried at her hometown. After her death, Lahore Technology Park was renamed Arfa Software Technology Park.

Her achievements and contributions to the Information Technology (IT) sector of the country are unforgettable. Apart from being a Microsoft professional, at the age of 10, Arfa joined Dubai’s flying club

and flew a plane. She was awarded a certificate for her abilities.

Some people live longer than their physical lives; Arfa Karim’s legacy will be remembered for years to come. She has been awarded with Fatima Jinnah Gold medal, Salaam Pakistan Youth Award, Pride of Performance award amongst many others.

For her achievements and performance in the information technology sector, the government launched Arfa Karim IT tower as well.

"ARFA KARIM STILL RULES OUR HEARTS"