Once before in the history of the world, a Pakistani prodigy, Arfa Karim Randhawa made it to the headlines by being the Youngest Certified Microsoft Professional (MCP) at the age of nine in 2004. 11 years old Haris Khan seems to be following her footsteps…
Born in Germany and currently living in Ballincolling, Ireland, Pakistani by ethnicity, Haris has been honored with the title of ‘Youngest Smartphone Developer’ after his first app ‘Super Soccer Kick’ launched on Apple iTunes last year on 7th February 2014. He was only ten at the time.
The application is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod. Creating a gaming app was his own idea as he likes soccer and the app crossed the 400 download mark just a few days after its launch. His second app was ‘Floppy Balloon’ and currently he is working on an educational app. He spends his time working on computer, new technologies, gaming, sports and reading books. He is also enrolled in an IT course at University College of Cork which is usually offered to students aged14.
Haris has a passion for technology as both of his parents are in the field also. His father is an IT specialist and his mother is a multimedia designer and iOS developer by profession. He knows HTML, Objective-C and Python. Furthermore, he can work on Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS, Mountain Lion, Linux and Mavericks.
The youngest Smartphone Developer mentioned his mother in particular who supported his interest and his school principal who also appreciated his achievements and hard work.
“It gives me good feeling and motivation to do more and more, and I want to do something useful for the benefit of Mankind”, says Haris idealizing the Noble Prize Winner and Scientist Dr. Abdus Salam.
Looks like the 11 year old has much bigger dreams and a passion of doing something great with his growing knowledge and interest in IT. Though he does not live in Pakistan but he is a Pakistani and has his roots here, the kid has not only made his family but the whole nation proud. We wish the smart kid Good Luck and may he bag more achievements in future.