Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa (Urdu: ارفع کریم رندهاوا, 2 February 1995 – 14 January 2012) was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy who in 2004 at the age of nine years became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). She kept the title until 2008. Arfa represented Pakistan on various international forums including the TechEd Developers Conference. She also received the President’s Award for Pride of Performance. A science park in Lahore, the Arfa Software Technology Park, was named after her.[2][3][4][5] She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in the USA.[6]
Early life and background
Arfa was born into a family from the village of Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali in Faisalabad, Punjab. After returning to Pakistan from a visit to Microsoft headquarters, Arfa gave numerous television and newspaper interviews. S. Somasegar, the vice president of the Software Development Division, wrote about her in his blog.[5] On 2 August 2005, Arfa was presented the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz on the occasion of 113th birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah.[7] She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 from the President of Pakistan.[8] Arfa is also the recipient of the President's Award for Pride of Performance,[9] a civil award usually granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. She is the youngest recipient of this award. Arfa was made brand ambassador for Pakistan Telecommunication Company's 3G Wireless Broadband service named EVO in January 2010.[10]
| Born | Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa 2 February 1995 Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali, Faisalabad, Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Died | 14 January 2012 (aged 16) Lahore, Pakistan |
| Resting place | Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali, Faisalabad |
| Residence | Lahore |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Education | A-level (first year) |
| Alma mater | Lahore Grammar School |
| Occupation | Student |
| Known for | World's youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, 2004–2006[1] |
| Awards | Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal Salaam Pakistan Youth Award President's Pride of Performance |
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