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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>Arfa Karim remembered on first death anniversary</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/493948/arfa-karim-remembered-on-first-death-anniversary</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/493948/arfa-karim-remembered-on-first-death-anniversary#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 13 17:54:39 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Today's date marks first death anniversary for world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim...]]>
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				<![CDATA[The world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim Randhawa had passed away last year on January 14, 2012, after suffering from an epileptic attack. 

Her untimely death at the tender age of 16 had saddened people in Pakistan and abroad, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates.



Observing her first death anniversary on Monday, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif commended the young prodigy for achieving prominent success in the field of IT and for making her country proud, Express News reported.

The chief minister named Arfa as one of the most talented and capable daughters of Pakistan, adding that intelligent young girls like her are a ray of hope for the future of Pakistan.

The government of Punjab has dedicated an IT park to Arfa in remembrance.

Recognition for Arfa

Last year, then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had approved the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp for Arfa, which was issued by the Pakistan Post on February 2, 2012.

Federal Minister for Postal Services was the chief guest of the event, while Arfa’s parents were also present at the ceremony.

Sindh Information Technology (IT) Minister Raza Haroon announced on January 13 that the IT Media City in Karachi will be renamed after the late child prodigy.

The project was known as Arfa Karim IT Media City.

The government is planning to make a documentary film about the life of Arfa



“This documentary on Arfa Karim will be broadcast on television in Pakistan and a book will be published to pay homage to the world’s youngest IT specialist,” Firdous Ashiq Awan, the minister for information, told reporters.

Social media remembers Arfa

Pakistanis expressed grief for the loss of Arfa Karim on Twitter on her first death anniversary.

Here are some of the top tweets.

Shiraz Hassan

Remembring telented daughter of Pakistan, Arfa Karim Randhawa. Today is her 1st death anniversary.

arsalan ali

Its been One year today Since the Passing Of #ArfaKarim, Plz take a Moment &amp; Pray for her.., #DaughterOfPakistan

Adil Omar

Today's the death anniversary of Arfa Karim Randhawa, who I knew and considered a friend. She was a genius and full of potential.

Mehr Tarar

Rest in peace #ArfaKarim. One year. You had much to give &amp; u died too,too soon. May #Pakistan hv many like u. You'll be always be missed,kid

Arsla Jawaid

Remembering you today Arfa Karim. A brilliant young #Pakistanimind, taken from us way too soon :(]]>
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			<title>Arfa Kareem's ancestral village to be developed as a ‘model village’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/485922/arfa-kareems-ancestral-village-to-be-developed-as-a-%e2%80%98model-village%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/485922/arfa-kareems-ancestral-village-to-be-developed-as-a-%e2%80%98model-village%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 12 17:05:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ppi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=485922</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Different development projects worth Rs140 million have been proposed by the city government for the purpose.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The ancestral village Chak no. 4 Ramdewali of late child prodigy Arfa Kareem is being developed as a model village in recognition her remarkable and unforgettable achievements.

As per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, different development projects worth Rs140 million have been proposed by the city government for the purpose.

Divisional Commissioner Tahir Hussain held a meeting at Arfa Kareem Nagar and reviewed the development projects on the spot.  DCO Muhammad Amin, Arfa’s father Colonel Retd Amjad Kareem and officers from different departments were also present on the occasion.

The meeting was informed that a monument would be constructed at the grave of Arfa besides the establishment of a library and a museum in the premises.

The commissioner said that a Girls Degree College and Technical Training Centre would also be set up in the village along with the up-gradation of Boys and Girls Schools and a basic health unit.

The establishment of a playground, improvement of drainage scheme, pavement of streets, provision of potable water and agriculture equipment were also be included in the scheme for developing the Arfa Kareem Nagar as a model village, he added.

Colonel Kareem said that the first death anniversary of Arfa would be observed on January 14, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Remembering Arfa: Commemorative postage stamps issued</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/330898/remembering-arfa-commemorative-postage-stamps-issued</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/330898/remembering-arfa-commemorative-postage-stamps-issued#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 12 15:28:03 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=330898</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[February 2 marks the birthday of Arfa Karim, youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, who died last month.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Post issued commemorative postage stamps to pay tribute to the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Arfa Karim in a ceremony on Thursday.

Federal Minister for Postal Services was the chief guest of the event, while Arfa’s parents were also present at the ceremony.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had given approval for the commemorative stamp in recognition of Arfa’s achievements at such a young age.

Today (February 2) also marks the 17th birthday of Arfa – the youngest ever MCP from Pakistan, who died earlier this year at the age of 16 after suffering an epileptic attack.

The Punjab governor also announced of forming an IT chair at the Punjab University in Arfa’s honour.

The chairman of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Postal Services, Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla on Thursday said that the issuance of commemorative postage stamps on Arfa Karim, the world's youngest Microsoft Certified Professional was a good initiative.

Talking to APP outside the Parliament House, he said that the issuance of postage stamps was a tribute to her contributions.

He appreciated Pakistan Post for issuing the stamps and inviting Arfa Karim’s parents and her entire family for the unveiling ceremony.]]>
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			<title>Inspiring story: Govt plans Arfa Karim documentary film</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/325793/inspiring-story-govt-plans-arfa-karim-documentary-film</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/325793/inspiring-story-govt-plans-arfa-karim-documentary-film#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 12 04:45:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=325793</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Information minister lauds the world’s youngest IT specialist.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The government is planning to make a documentary film about the life of Arfa Karim, the youngest ever Microsoft certified engineer who died last week.


“This documentary on Arfa Karim will be broadcast on television in Pakistan and a book will be published to pay homage to the world’s youngest IT specialist,” Firdous Ashiq Awan, the minister for information, told reporters.

The minister, who also visited Arfa’s parents in Lahore on Saturday, donated Rs1 million to the Arfa Karim Foundation on behalf of the government.

The young girl, who died at the age 16, received her engineering certificate at the age of 9. The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, personally met Arfa and got in touch with her parents when he found out the little girl was in a coma.

She remained in intensive care at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) after suffering an epileptic seizure and cardiac arrest. After battling for her life for 26 days, one of Pakistan’s brightest brains passed away on January 14.

The Arfa Karim Foundation will support intelligent young people who do not have full access to educational opportunities.

Talking to media after meeting Arfa’s parents, Dr Awan  said Arfa was the daughter and pride of the entire nation and had given a roadmap to the youth through her revolutionary thoughts and vision.

Lauding the efforts of the late Arfa, she said that her name should be highlighted across the world as she had enhanced the respect of the country with her own initiatives.

Amjad Karim Randhawa, Arfa’s father, told the media that he wanted to highlight the cause of her daughter to the whole world and expressed his determination that the family would work for the youth of the nation through the Arfa Karim Foundation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd,  2012]]>
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			<title>Arfa in line for highest civilian award</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/325478/gilani-announces-highest-civilian-honour-for-arfa-karim</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/325478/gilani-announces-highest-civilian-honour-for-arfa-karim#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 12 11:43:05 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Already a recipient of a pride of performance award, Arfa had received several public accolades during her short life.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the government is considering conferring the highest civilian award on Arfa Karim, the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional who passed away in Lahore on January 14.

Arfa, 16, had an epileptic attack on December 22 and had been in a coma since. Brought to the Combined Military Hospital in Lahore, Arfa showed encouraging signs as recently as a day before she lost the battle for life. As the nation mourned the loss of the young genius, her family took her coffin draped in the national flag to bury her in her ancestral town of Faisalabad.

“We have recently approved a commemorative stamp for her, which will also promote a soft image of Pakistan globally and send out a positive message to the world,” Gilani told reporters on Sunday in Lahore, where he had gone to meet Arfa’s bereaved family.

He said that he understood the real value of what Pakistan had lost since he was the information technology minister and Arfa was a genius of that field. He said that they were considering establishing an institute that will be run by Arfa’s parents.

The Sindh and Punjab government have already announced that information technology parks will be named in Arfa’s memory.

Names for civilian awards are announced on August 14 every year while an award ceremony is held on March 23 at the President’s House in Islamabad. Arfa, who completed her MCP course at the phenomenally young age of nine, was already a recipient of the President’s Award for Pride of Performance and the government’s Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal. She had also been given the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award.]]>
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			<title>Tribute: Gilani approves commemorative Arfa Karim postage stamp</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/324640/tribute-gilani-approves-commemorative-arfa-karim-postage-stamp</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/324640/tribute-gilani-approves-commemorative-arfa-karim-postage-stamp#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 12 15:24:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Arfa, who became the microsoft certified professional at the age of nine, breathed her last on January 14.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani approved the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp for late Arfa Karim Randhawa, the youngest certified Microsoft professional in the world on Friday.

Gilani gave approval for the commemorative stamp in recognition of Arfa’s achievements at such a young age.

Arfa, who became the microsoft certified professional at the age of nine, breathed her last on January 14 at the Combined Military Hospital in Lahore.

Arfa had an epileptic attack on December 22 and had been in a coma since, while well-wishers prayed and watched her progress closely.]]>
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			<title>Arfa Karim</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/322376/arfa-karim-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/322376/arfa-karim-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 12 17:12:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=322376</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In death, Arfa can continue to be a guiding light for millions of ambitious children.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The natural tendency when someone dies too young is to mourn the potential of a life that was cruelly ended before a person could achieve anything. In the case of the 16-year-old Arfa Karim Randhawa, who died on January 14 after complications resulting from an epileptic stroke, that natural desire to mourn should also be accompanied by celebration of a person who in her short life, did manage to achieve more than what most of us could hope for in their lifetimes. At the age of nine, she became the youngest-ever Microsoft Certified Professional, earning kudos from Bill Gates himself and an invitation to visit his company’s headquarters in America. A year later, she was certified as a pilot by a flying club in Dubai. Not only is Arfa the youngest ever recipient of the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance, she was also awarded the Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal in Science and Technology and the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award. The word genius may be bandied about too freely, but in Arfa’s case it was a moniker well-earned.

Various government figures are busy renaming buildings and technology programmes after Arfa as a tribute to her achievements and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But there is more that can be done to honour her memory. Unlike Arfa, whose parents provided the full support necessary to ensure that her talent could blossom, there are other potential geniuses who do not have that kind of emotional and financial backing. It would be far better to establish a trust in her name and this could financially assist those, like Arfa, who show precocious talent and intellectual promise. Even though we do not know where Arfa’s limitless skills would have led her, we should ensure that future Arfas are not lost simply for lack of resources. It is also important to ensure that her memory lives on and she is not forgotten like so many heroes in this country. Arfa Karim was an inspiration in her lifetime; in death she can continue to be a guiding light for millions of ambitious children.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Karachi IT Media City to be renamed after Arfa</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321964/karachi-it-media-city-to-be-renamed-after-arfa</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321964/karachi-it-media-city-to-be-renamed-after-arfa#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 12 15:56:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=321964</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The decision was taken on the request of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Information Technology (IT) Minister Raza Haroon announced on Sunday that the IT Media City in Karachi will be renamed after the World’s Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim Randhawa.

The project will now be known as Arfa Karim IT Media City.

The decision to rename the mega project was taken on the request of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain.

According to a press release issued by the MQM, the IT Media City is a world class project spread over 200 acres of land near the Super Highway.

Arfa, 16 years old, child prodigy, Microsoft professional and winner of the president’s Pride of Performance, breathed her last on January 14 at the Combined Military Hospital in Lahore.

The IT genius had an epileptic attack on December 22 and had been in a coma since, while well-wishers prayed and watched her progress closely.]]>
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			<title>Arfa Karim: Pakistan buries a shining example for the nation’s youth</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321920/arfa-karim-randhawa-a-genius-no-longer-with-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321920/arfa-karim-randhawa-a-genius-no-longer-with-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 12 14:50:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shamsul.islam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Arfa’s father remembers his daughter’s meeting with Bill Gates.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Arfa Karim, the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, was laid to rest in her ancestral village Ramdewali, near Faisalabad, amid tears from family, friends and strangers.

Even the heavens opened, as a light drizzle fell during the funeral procession.

The flag-draped coffin had been taken to Faisalabad from Lahore, where, despite the cold, a large number of people from all walks of life gathered to mourn. The turnout was reflective of how Arfa’s story has brought the nation together in grief for her death and admiration for her brilliance, as it included IT students, public representatives, social and religious activists, NGO workers, military officers and government officials.

Hundreds of female students also thronged the funeral on the arrival of the dead body.

Qari Ashraf, who led the funeral prayer, said that “Arfa was not only extraordinarily brilliant in Information Technology but was also very fond of Hamd, Naat and Allama Iqbal’s poetry.”

Arfa’s father, Colonel (Retd) Amjad Karim Randhawa, told the media his daughter “was a gift of God to me and now He has taken it back.”

“I am proud of being the only person in the world whose daughter was recognised as the youngest Microsoft professional certificate holder at the age of just nine years,” he said. “We provided every possible opportunity and encouragement to develop her abilities.”

Describing his daughter as wise beyond her years, Randhawa lamented that “we could not see her genius flourish.”

Recalling Arfa’s meeting with Bill Gates, Randhawa said that the Microsoft founder was stunned to see Arfa promptly answering all his technical questions. Gates acknowledged Arfa’s qualities and his company contacted her family when she was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore for treatment.

“Microsoft’s doctors were in touch with the CMH doctors and provided assistance in diagnosis, prescriptions and treatment for Arfa,” Randhawa said.

Randhawa fondly highlighted his daughter’s qualities, saying that she always had positive approach towards everything. “She had a creative mind and always wanted to do something extraordinary far beyond her age,” he said. “Arfa always surprised her teachers and class fellows with her intelligence and thought-provoking questions.”

A local resident of the village, Noor Din, said that although Arfa had not spent much time in the area, she lived as if she had been here for a very long time. “My daughter had always desired and insisted upon meeting Arfa, but sadly I failed to do so and now I can never do it,” he said.

Another villager, Ghulam Qadir, admitted that he had never seen such a huge funeral procession.

Muhammad Akram, a close relative, said that Arfa always wanted the area’s IT lab to be upgraded so it could provide better educational facilities to local youngsters, especially girls.

Asking the government to honour the IT genius’ wishes, Akram said that Arfa believed that other girls in her village should be given educational opportunities – as they had so much talent.

Arfa went into a coma on December 22 after suffering an epileptic attack. She was undergoing medical treatment in Combined Military Hospital. Karim, who was on life support at the Intensive Care Unit at the CMH suffered a complication on Saturday evening whereby she was shifted to surgery in emergency.

Meanwhile, at least one permanent monument to Arfa will stand.

Sindh Information Technology Minister Raza Haroon has announced that the IT Media City in Karachi will be renamed after Arfa. The project will now be known as Arfa Karim IT Media City, Karachi.

(With additional reporting from Rana Yasif in Lahore)

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Last farewell for child prodigy Arfa Karim</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321836/last-farewell-for-child-prodigy-arfa-karim</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321836/last-farewell-for-child-prodigy-arfa-karim#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 12 05:19:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.imtiaz]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The teenage genius' coffin was draped in the national flag; Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif in attendance.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Funeral prayers of the World’s Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Arfa Karim Randhawa, who passed away on Saturday after protracted illness, were held on Sunday in Lahore, Express News reported. 

The prayers, held in Cavalry Ground, were attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and attended by her close family members.

Her coffin was draped in the national flag. She was 16.

The teenage genius suffered an attack on that which had given her recognition and made her a source of inspiration for young and old across the country – her brain. Arfa had an epileptic attack on December 22 and had been in a coma since, while well-wishers prayed and watched her progress closely.

On December 29, doctors said there was no hope for her survival, and that her life support could be switched off “at any time”. However, she had then miraculously responded to certain stimuli, as recently as January 13.

Two more funeral prayers will be held for Arfa, one in Faislabad and another in her ancestral village where she is to be buried.

Condolences

As Pakistanis mourned the loss of the child prodigy, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani also expressed grief and sorrow over Arfa’s demise. According to a statement released late on Saturday night, Gilani prayed for the departed soul and that Allah grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

Jamaat-e-Islami head Syed Munawar Hasan and Karachi chief Mohammad Hussain Mehanti also expressed grief at the death. Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain said in a statement that Pakistan has lost "precious talent" in Arfa Karim. He expressed grief at Arfa’s demise and has sympathised with the bereaved family members and prayed for Arfa’s soul.]]>
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			<title>Arfa Karim passes away: Whiz kid loses battle for her life</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321610/child-prodigy-aarifa-karim-loses-race-for-her-life</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321610/child-prodigy-aarifa-karim-loses-race-for-her-life#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 12 04:45:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[aroosa.shaukat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=321610</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Aarifa Karim had been admitted to the CMH hospital on December 22, after suffering a cardiac arrest.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Arfa Karim, 16 years old, child prodigy, inspiration, youngest certified Microsoft Professional in the world and winner of the president’s Pride of Performance, breathed her last on Saturday night at the Combined Military Hospital in Lahore. 

The teenage genius suffered an attack on that which had given her recognition and made her a source of inspiration for young and old across the country – her brain. Arfa had an epileptic attack on December 22 and had been in a coma since, while well-wishers prayed and watched her progress closely.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Major Ahsan Randhawa, Arfa’s uncle, articulated the family’s grief as best as he could.  “We are grieving her loss but she was a strong child”, he said – adding “she was God’s gift to us and now she has returned to Him”.

Arfa is to be buried in her ancestral village, close to Faisalabad. She had always identified herself with her roots, and had said proudly once that although she came from a ‘low-profile’ family, she wanted to study all over the world and then come back to help the people in her village.

The child prodigy, who was on life support at the Intensive Care Unit while the nation watched with bated breath, suffered a complication on Saturday evening when she was shifted to the emergency room. Major Ahsan Randhawa said that a tracheotomy tube (tracheal tube entered into the trachea through a minor incision), which had been recently inserted to facilitate her breathing, resulted in bleeding in the throat. Previously the tracheal tube had been inserted via her mouth. She was immediately shifted to the operating theatre where Arfa lost her battle for life.

Major Ahsan Randhawa added that Arfa had been doing fine prior to the complication. ”She had no complication prior to the bleeding,” he said adding “everything just happened so suddenly”. Arfa was declared dead soon after.

“She wasn’t being operated for surgery, she had been shifted to emergency because of the bleeding,” he said.

Arfa’s funeral prayers will be offered at the Ayub stadium in Cantonment at 10 am on Sunday. Later, her body will be shifted to Faisalabad where another funeral prayer will be offered at D Ground in People’s Colony in Faisalabad at 2 pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Twitter Alert: Profound grief as Aarifa Karim passes away</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321692/twitter-alert-profound-grief-as-aarifa-karim-passes-away</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/321692/twitter-alert-profound-grief-as-aarifa-karim-passes-away#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 12 20:37:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=321692</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Child prodigy's death shocks, saddens tweeters.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Following news of Aarifa Karim’s death, the worlds youngest Microsoft Certified software engineer, the out pouring of grief was palpable. 

The twitter world, along with prayers, chose to remember what she stood for and what she set as an example for innumerable Pakistanis to follow.

Some dug up her poems, others talked about how she was Pakistan’s most precious daughter.

beenasarwar

#RIPArfaKarim. 16 years old. Too young to go. You have left an inspiring legacy. May you rest in peace.

zainabimam

Indeed, she does. MT @MobisherR: World's youngest MCP #AarifaKarim deserves a state funeral for making us all proud. #Pakistan #RIPAarifa

ijazulhaq

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Pakistan has lost a precious daughter today. Arfa Karim and family are in my thoughts &amp; prayers.

fursid

World's youngest Microsoft certified, Arfah Karim, 9, from #Pakistan, passed away.

alii9fcb

Poems written by #Arfa Karim Randhawa #Pakistan http://www.pakblog.net/2011/12/list-of-poems-written-by-arfa-karim.html?spref=tw”

LailaEssa

You have become an inspiration for all the #Pakistani girls that if they come to it, they can beat the whole world! #RIPArfaKarim

jaliawala

RIP Arfa Karim - you did in your 16 what many dream to accomplish in decades!! #RIPArfaKarim

AamnaTaseer

Arfah Kareem passes away. RIP. You made Pakistan very proud.”

Abrar_Kureshy

you surely touched every #Pakistani's heart, my mom never knew u, never met u, yet she cant control her tears on ur demise. #RIPArfaKarim

gmujaddid

#RIPArfaKarim She dreamed of Digi Valley in Pakistan like Silicon Valley in US..... Great loss!!!!! :(

Qwintessentwit

@asmiather Tragic loss to the entire world #RIPArfaKarim #Pakistan #Microsoft

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Aarifa Karim: Child prodigy refuses to give up, shows improvement</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/320983/young-genius-aarifa-karim-shows-more-signs-of-improvement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/320983/young-genius-aarifa-karim-shows-more-signs-of-improvement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 12 04:50:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[aroosa.shaukat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=320983</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Father says family looking to move her to the US for better treatment.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As Pakistan’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional Aarifa Karim Randhawa begins showing signs of improvement, her parents admit they are looking for assistance to move her to the US for better treatment.

Aarifa’s father Amjad Karim Randhawa, a retired lieutenant colonel, told The Express Tribune that the 16-year-old who has been battling for her life at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore recently responded to certain stimuli. Aarifa, he said, had shown the Plantar Reflex when her foot was stimulated. “Her toes curved slightly downward when her foot was tickled,” he said, adding that earlier she had exhibited the Corneal Reflex, whereby her eyes blinked a few times.

Randhawa said that over the past four days, they had observed minor improvements in Aarifa’s condition but until medically endorsed, they could not be registered as a major improvement. However, he added, the doctors have implied that the signs are encouraging.

But Aarifa’s fight for life is still in its preliminary stages and her parents are now looking to move her to a better-equipped intensive care unit in the US.

“We need to ensure that Aarifa does not contract some kind of infection. Doctors at CMH are tending to minor infections that she contracted recently, but the odds of developing them again are great,” Randhawa explained. “We do not want to let the progress she’s made go to waste. We want to be careful.”

When asked if doctors at the CMH had approved of moving her to another medical facility, Randhawa said that they would if there were a possibility of improved care elsewhere. “At the moment, we are only seeking a facility where intensive care will be better equipped to cater to her needs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2012. ]]>
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			<title>Clinging on to life: ‘Child prodigy under care of best doctors’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/319103/clinging-on-to-life-%e2%80%98child-prodigy-under-care-of-best-doctors%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/319103/clinging-on-to-life-%e2%80%98child-prodigy-under-care-of-best-doctors%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 12 05:35:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[aroosa.shaukat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=319103</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Microsoft team also checking on reports; Arfa Karim still in critical condition.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Dismissing growing speculation in the media, Arfa Karim Randhawa’s father said on Monday that his daughter was being treated in an ‘excellent’ and ‘professional ‘ manner at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore.


Arfa, the youngest certified Microsoft professional in the world, suffered cardiac arrest on December 22, and has been under treatment at the CMH since, where she is on life support. The cardiac arrest in turn led to a ‘global brain injury’ - a term used to indicate damage that spreads through the entire brain due to lack of oxygen.

“We are committed to making all efforts to provide Arfa the best medical attention possible,” said Dr Wasim Wali, a neuro-physician at the hospital.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Wali, who is leading a team of doctors treating Arfa, said the treatment being provided for her condition was on a par with international medical practices. He added that the doctors at CMH were in regular consultation with other specialists. However, he emphasised that the child prodigy is still in a critical condition.

“All medical experts in the field are on board regarding Arfa’s treatment,” Dr Wali said.

“My daughter is receiving ‘universal and unanimous’ treatment, which is standard for anyone in her condition,” said Lt Col Randhawa. He added that the medical care provided to Arfa at this stage did not require any surgical intervention. When asked about recent reports in the media regarding requests for shifting her to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, he replied that she was not in a condition to be shifted anywhere. He said doctors such as Nadir Zafar, who currently heads the neurology department at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, were also on board and completely satisfied with the treatment given.

Lt Col Randhawa added that Microsoft had also arranged a team which was following Karim’s case closely. He said their team of doctors had studied the reports and expressed satisfaction. He added, “This is not a recent development, the Microsoft team has been in continuous consultation for a while now”.

However, he underlined that “Up until the point Arfa starts breathing on her own, we can assume no significant improvement in her condition”, while saying he was thankful for the support and concern extended by everyone. “This is not a political issue; it’s about a young child who along with medical care needs prayers and good wishes”.

Arfa’s father added: “Usually the chances of recovery are less, but Arfa has always been an extraordinary child; God willing, she will get through this too”.

Though Arfa has, for the past several years, been in the spotlight for her recognition as a tech prodigy, she has also lived a regular 16-year-old’s life.

Arfa was Head Girl at Lahore Grammar School’s Paragon campus. Her principal, Salman Yasin, told The Express Tribune:  “She was extremely excited when Atif Aslam performed at the school - she is just like any child her age and we must keep that in mind”.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Microsoft hired doctors to review Aarifa’s condition: Father</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/318832/microsoft-hired-doctors-to-review-aarifa%e2%80%99s-condition-father</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/318832/microsoft-hired-doctors-to-review-aarifa%e2%80%99s-condition-father#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 12 10:31:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ema Anis]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=318832</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lt Col (retd) Randhawa says US doctor's team contacted CMH doctors and expressed satisfaction with current treatment.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A doctor’s team was hired by Microsoft to consult with doctors of Aarifa Karim – the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MSF) – in Pakistan to overview her condition, confirmed Aarifa’s father Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Randhawa.

Randhawa denied media reports of Microsoft owner Bill Gates contacting him personally, although he confirmed that the US doctors have contacted local doctors to speak on the matter.

The team has expressed its satisfaction on the treatment being done at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore, he said.

Randhawa added that Aarifa’s condition is “the same” and she is still on the ventilator.

Aarifa, 16, suffered an epileptic attack on December 22 last year which affected her brain and her heart causing her to slip into a coma. She has been on a ventilator since then.

Samples from Aarifa, including scans of her brain were mailed to renowned medical experts in Australia and other countries earlier, while Professor Dr Azhar Hussain, a neurosurgeon at the King Edwards Medical University, Lahore had said that her case was “not hopeless” after reviewing her condition.

Aarifa, born in 1995, was given the title of a Microsoft professional at the age of nine in 2004 and she had visited the company’s headquarters in the US to meet Gates.

Correction: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of the story said Aarifa was given the MCP title in 1995 instead of 2004. The error has been rectified.]]>
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			<title>Medical experts say Aarifa Karim's case not 'hopeless'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/316084/medical-experts-say-aarifa-karims-case-not-hopeless</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/316084/medical-experts-say-aarifa-karims-case-not-hopeless#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 12 17:50:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shamsul.islam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=316084</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Experts from Lahore's King Edward's Medical University are confident of saving comatose Aarifa Karim's life.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Professor Dr Azhar Hussain, a neurosurgeon at the King Edwards Medical University, Lahore after examining Aarifa Karim Randhawa at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore has opined that “this was not a hopeless case.”  

This was revealed by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Amjad Karim Randhawa, father of Aarifa, on Tuesday night. Randhawa quoted Dr Hussain as saying “we believe that we can be successful in activating her cerebral activity.”

A joint team of medical experts of CMH Lahore had already prepared a comprehensive report pertaining to the health status of child prodigy, Aarifa Karim Randhawa who is under care at an intensive care unit of CMH since December 22, 2011.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani too has sent his representative, Dr Muhammad Iftikhar, who has joined the medical experts at the CMH Lahore to assure best possible medical care is provided for Randhawa. Dr Iftikhar has assured on behalf of the federal government that it would provide medical assistance for the survival of Aarifa Karim anywhere in the word as per advice and suggestions of the resident medical team.

Lt Col Randhawa said that samples from Aarifa, including scans of her brain have been mailed to renowned medical experts in Australia and other countries.

“I have been constantly receiving a flood of calls from abroad as well as within Pakistan inquiring after the health of Aarifa”, Lt Col Randhawa said.

“A number of medical experts of all the leading developed countries are also in touch with me as well as the doctors of CMH and are providing vital assistance for her survival”.

Randhawa said that while doctors had given up hope at one point, there was renewed belief that Aarifa could be saved. “Now we believe that a miracle will take place for the survival of Aarifa Karim”.

Aarifa Karim Randhawa was rushed to the CMH Lahore after she suffered a cardiac arrest on December 22, 2011.

She is the youngest ever Microsoft certified professional in the world.]]>
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			<title>Aarifa Randhawa: Breathing proof that miracles happen</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/314279/microsofts-youngest-certified-professional-shows-signs-of-life</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/314279/microsofts-youngest-certified-professional-shows-signs-of-life#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 Dec 11 04:35:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shamsul.islam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=314279</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Child prodigy shows signs of life.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Child prodigy Aarifa Karim Randhawa continued to startle the world on Friday, when she showed signs of life a day after doctors at Lahore’s CMH hospital gave up all hope for her survival after she suffered a cardiac arrest on December 22.

A day after her doctors suggested switching off her life support saying there was ‘no hope’; Aarifa started showing some brain activity and twitched her fingers, her father Lt Col (Retd) Amjad Karim Randhawa told The Express Tribune. The youngest-ever Microsoft certified professional, however, is still in critical condition.

The family has been receiving calls from across the world for Aarifa’s health and prayers for her recovery, her father said. After the latest development in her condition, doctors and experts at the hospital shifted their strategy on trying to save Aarifa.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Child prodigy: Lights dim on a beautiful mind</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/313626/worlds-youngest-mcp-aarifa-karim-hospitalised</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/313626/worlds-youngest-mcp-aarifa-karim-hospitalised#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 11 09:13:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shamsul.islam]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=313626</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Youngest ever Microsoft certified professional is in critical condition.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In 2004, Aarifa Karim Randhawa was the youngest ever Microsoft certified professional in the world. Born in 1995, she received the prestigious title at the age of nine.

On December 22, Aarifa was admitted to Lahore’s CMH hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. On Thursday, doctors said there is no hope for her survival, and that her life support could be switched off ‘at any time’.

Aarifa’s father, Lt Col (Retd) Amjad Karim Randhawa told The Express Tribune that she had suffered an epileptic attack, which caused severe brain and heart damage. Randhawa said “only a miracle will allow my brilliant, genius daughter to live now”.

After the news of Aarifa’s condition emerged, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took notice and offered economic support to the family, but they have refused to take the money.

When Aarifa, now 16, was given the title of a Microsoft professional as a young child, she visited the company’s headquarters in the US.  When she met Bill Gates himself, she had two questions: Why weren’t children allowed to work for Microsoft, and why such few women worked for the organisation.

Her love for technology, however, started long before she was recognised internationally. After discovering computers for the first time at the age of five, she pestered her father for a personal computer, and after that there was no looking back.

Aarifa’s father recalled the year in which his daughter passed the test which enabled her to be declared the youngest professional certified by Microsoft in the world. “When she passed the test at age nine, everyone thought the result was wrong,” he reminisced. She wanted to make software just like Bill Gates, he added. She would say that she wanted to work for children and poor people.

Proudly, he said she came from a ‘low-profile’ family, but she would always say she wanted to study all over the world and then come back to help the people in her village. Her dreams were never for herself alone.

Aarifa’s achievements go far beyond recognition from Microsoft alone. The 16-year-old, a student of Lahore Grammar School’s Paragon campus, has represented Pakistan in various international forums.  In 2005, the child prodigy received the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal from the government as well as the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award. In addition, she has received the president’s award for Pride of Performance, medals from IT professionals around the world, and also became a brand ambassador for PTCL in 2010.

Her talents however, are versatile. Besides excelling in the field of science and technology, Aarifa also flew a plane at the age of 10.

Aarifa’s life hangs in the balance, and while most have given up hope, her father says: “I am praying and I want everyone to pray for her”. (WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM THE NEWS DESK)

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Youth Mela: Young achievers recognised</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/230363/youth-mela-young-achievers-recognised</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/230363/youth-mela-young-achievers-recognised#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Aug 11 01:54:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[aroosa.shaukat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=230363</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Documentary competition also judged at the Pakistan Youth Mela.]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A wide variety of competitions, exhibitions and an award ceremony recognising the accomplishments of Pakistani youngsters were the highlights of the Pakistan Youth Mela, which was organised at the Alhamra Hall on Friday.


The daylong fair marked the culmination of the International Youth Year, declared by the UN on August 12, 2010.

The event was organised by Bargad, a rights forum working towards the welfare of Pakistani youth, in collaboration with the Information, Culture and Youth Affair’s Department. MNA Hamza Shehbaz was the chief guest at the occasion. Information, Culture and Youth’s affairs Secretary, Mohiyuddin Ahmad Wani was the keynote speaker.

A documentary competition was hosted by Ayesha Tammy Haq, who also judged the entries along with Wajeeha Rizwan. Seven shortlisted documentaries were shown. Final rounds of the English and Urdu debates as well as a drama competition were also held. The finals were the culmination of the year long contests that had been taking place in various parts of the country.

Stalls had been set outside the hall by several NGOs, culture groups, and youth organizations from across Pakistan.

Most prominent among these were those of the Girl Guides Scout Association, The Youth Parliament, The Rescue 1122, The Struggle for Change, The Indus Research, Pehchaan and Heinrich Boll Stiftung

The award ceremony started late due to the heavy downpour.

Performances by young children, wearing regional dresses to represent the rich cultural diversity of the country were highlight of the opening ceremony.

The chief guest, Hamza Shehbaz was presented with a Sindhi ajrak and handicrafts by a representative of the Sindh department of Youth Affairs.

Hamza Shehbaz presented the High Achievers award to Aarifa Karim Randhawa, the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional in the world. Aarifa has recently received an invitation from Bill Gates to visit US as an appreciation of her accomplishment. US Consul General, Carmela Conroy, presented the High Achievers award’ to Nad-i-Ali Mir of Peshawarfounder of the Peshawar Youth Organisation (PYO), which works for better assimilation youth into the society

A brief history of Bargad was presented by Saqib Murtaza.

He said that over 800 volunteers were working for Bargad in several youth development initiatives.

He commended the overwhelming response of youngsters towards the international youth year celebrations. Bargad Executive Director, Sabeeha Shaheen, said that it was their aim to promote peace and cooperation amongst Pakistani youth.

United Nations Population Fund Pakistan, Youth Parliament, US Consulate General Lahore, Volunteer Service Organisation and Heinrich Boll Stiftung also collaborated with the organisation of the Youth Mela.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2011.]]>
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