Daily Times

Sir: Since the untimely demise of Arfa Karim, our governments, especially of Punjab, have tried naming every academic institution after her name. There is certainly nothing wrong with this policy but it would have been much better if a trust is set up to support all those children whose parents, unlike Arfa’s, are not able to support their child’s talent positively. Unlike Arfa, whose parents provided 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 could ensure that the future of children like her would not be lost simply for lack of resources. It is also important to ensure that her memory, her aim of life lives on and she is not forgotten like so many heroes in this country. Arfa Karim Randhawa was an inspiration in her lifetime; in death, she can continue to be a guiding light for millions of ambitious girls.

TUBA ATHAR

Karachi