Arfa Karim’s death was sudden, unexpected and a huge loss for Pakistan. The nation already has a dearth of heroes the youth can look up to and Arfa’s loss has left a void that cannot be filled.
She was an incredibly talented girl who had a bright future ahead of her and would have benefited numerous youngsters in Pakistan as she was the perfect role model.
Arfa became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the world when she was just nine years old in 2004. She was then invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft headquarters in the United States.
Her remarkable achievement was duly recognised by the then President Pervez Musharraf. In a country where the accomplishments by the youth are largely ignored and not highlighted, this was a great gesture. She received the Salam Pakistan Youth Award from President Pervez Musharraf in August 2005. In the same year, Arfa also received the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance and is the youngest recipient of the award so far.
On the occasion of the 113th birth anniversary of Mohtarma Fatimah Jinnah she was awarded the Fatima Jinnah gold medal in Science & Technology by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Even Shahbaz Sharif has now recognised the young girl by naming the newly built IT city after her and instituting a programme to train young Microsoft CPs.
Pakistan’s current median age is 21.6 years – a huge potential that needs to be fully exploited. Providing youngsters with the right resources and opportunities is important so that they can be properly motivated. It is up to the government to consistently recognise and reward the achievements of our young people.
AAMER HOSAIN
Karachi