Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Arfa Karim, Pakistan’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, on her 14th death anniversary, saying that the Nawaz Sharif IT City has been launched to empower every daughter of Punjab to follow in her footsteps.
In a special message, the chief minister said Arfa Karim, who became the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at the age of nine, remained a shining example for the youth, particularly girls aspiring to excel in the field of information technology.
She said Arfa Karim brought immense pride to Pakistan at a very young age and would always be remembered as one of the country’s most talented and promising daughters.
“Arfa Karim was a source of national pride and a symbol of what Pakistani children can achieve when provided with opportunities,” the chief minister said, adding that her achievements continued to inspire generations of young Pakistanis.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Nawaz Sharif IT City project had been launched to provide modern IT opportunities to the sons and daughters of Punjab, enabling them to compete successfully at the global level.
She said leading international institutions were establishing their campuses in the IT City, which would serve as a hub for innovation, skills development and advanced technology education.
Recalling Arfa Karim’s journey, the chief minister said she began her career with Microsoft certification and went on to achieve remarkable milestones through talent, dedication and hard work.
“Through the Nawaz Sharif IT City, we aim to elevate the dreams of our youth to similar heights,” she added.
The chief minister expressed the resolve that the IT City initiative would play a pivotal role in nurturing skilled professionals, promoting digital empowerment and ensuring that every daughter of Punjab had the opportunity to become another Arfa Karim.
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday took notice of the increasing incidents of dog bites in Rawalpindi following a report aired on a private television channel.
The chief minister sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi and directed that strict action be taken against those found negligent, stressing that any lapse in duty affecting public safety would not be tolerated.
She also instructed the concerned authorities to ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccine in all government hospitals of Rawalpindi to provide timely treatment to affected citizens.
“Ensuring the safety and protection of citizens is our foremost responsibility,” the chief minister said, directing the health and district administrations to take immediate and effective measures to address the issue.