KEY POINTS
- The corneas were donated by the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askari.
- The transplants were performed by Pakistan Army surgeons at AFIO.
- Experts warn of organ shortages due to cultural misconceptions and social taboos.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has recorded a major medical breakthrough with its first successful corneal transplant using tissue from a female donor, restoring the sight of two soldiers who had been blinded in counter-terrorism operations.
The pioneering procedure took place at the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), marking a historic moment for medical science in the country.
The corneas were donated in accordance with the will of the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askari, whose vision now lives on in the form of a life-changing gift to two brave soldiers.
Specialist surgeons from the Pakistan Army performed the transplants on 30-year-old soldier Aliullah and 26-year-old soldier Falak Sher, both of whom had been left blind after sustaining injuries during combat.
Following the surgery, both soldiers regained their sight, a life-altering success that has been hailed as an incredible achievement in the realm of medical technology and care.
The donation, which was carried out by the family of the deceased, reflects a profound act of generosity and compassion. The donor’s daughter, Zehra Mehdi, expressed immense pride in her mother’s final wish to contribute to the well-being of others.
“The greatest honour is that my mother’s eyes were donated to two brave soldiers,” Zehra said, describing the transplant as “a source of eternal charity (sadaqah-e-jariyah).”
Medical professionals have praised the successful surgery as a ground-breaking moment in Pakistan’s medical field, noting the importance of organ donation in improving lives and the potential for growth in organ donation practices within the country.
The achievement also underscores the rising capabilities of local medical professionals, especially in the field of ocular surgery.
However, experts have also issued a strong reminder about the critical issue of organ shortages in Pakistan. Despite the advances in surgical techniques, the country faces a dire shortage of organ donations, with as many as 10 to 15 people dying every day due to the unavailability of organs.
This shortage is exacerbated by social misconceptions, cultural taboos, and religious hesitations, which continue to inhibit many Pakistanis from donating their organs.
The United States faces a similar issue, with the number of deaths due to organ shortages reaching up to 20 people per day, highlighting the global scale of the problem.
In light of the recent achievement, medical professionals have called for urgent reforms to promote both living and posthumous organ donations.
They also suggest exploring innovative solutions, such as xenotransplantation, transferring organs from animals to humans, to address the rising number of organ failure patients in Pakistan.
Despite the growing number of patients in desperate need of transplants, the reluctance to donate organs remains a significant barrier. Advocates urge greater awareness and education to challenge misconceptions and encourage more Pakistanis to consider becoming organ donors.
They emphasize the life-saving potential of organ donation, noting that the ultimate act of generosity could not only restore sight or life, but also provide a lasting legacy for both donors and recipients.
