RIP, Arfa

Arfa Kareem was laid to rest on Sunday in the graveyard of her village Raam Devali, near Faisalabad, leaving people saddened across the country. Earlier in the day, the funeral prayers of the deceased were offered at Khalid Mosque, Cavalary Ground. The funeral was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, a large number of political leaders, army officers and people from all walks of life. The dead body of the IT genius, wrapped in the national flag, was taken to Faisalabad, where scores of people attended the funeral prayers in D Ground. After the funeral prayers, the body was brought to Raam Devali through an ambulance for the burial. Many people, including the class fellows of Arfa, had gathered in her home, wishing to see her last sight. The demise of Arfa set off a wave of grief in the country and among her fans across the world. Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari, chief ministers and governors of all provinces and other leaders paid tribute to her and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. Talking to reporters, Arfa’s father, Col Amjad Kareem Randhawa, said he was proud of his daughter, who would never die from the hearts of the people, which is why he was not grieved. The two IT projects of the country, one in Lahore and another in Karachi, have been named after the child tech prodigy. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced to name the Lahore Information Technology Park after Arfa Kareem and that the parents of Arfa would be the chief guests of the laptop distribution ceremony amongst students. Similarly, Sindh IT Minister Mohammad Raza Haroon announced to dedicate the IT Media City in Karachi to Arfa’s memory. “The City shall be referred to as Arfa Karim IT Media City, Karachi,” said a statement.