The Pakistan Army has achieved a major medical milestone by performing the country’s first-ever corneal transplant using tissue from a female donor. The groundbreaking procedure restored the eyesight of two soldiers who had lost their vision during counter-terrorism operations.
According to the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), the donated corneas came from the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askari, who had expressed her wish to help others through organ donation. Surgeons from the Pakistan Army carried out the delicate operations with precision and care, restoring sight to 30-year-old soldier Aliullah and 26-year-old soldier Falak Sher.
Medical experts called the achievement a historic moment for Pakistan’s healthcare system. They highlighted that this success reflects both the medical advancement within the Pakistan Army and the life-changing impact of organ donation.
The donor’s daughter, Zehra Mehdi, expressed pride in her mother’s contribution. “The greatest honor is that my mother’s eyes were donated to two brave soldiers,” she said. “Her gift will continue to serve as sadaqah-e-jariyah — an ongoing charity.”
The AFIO’s accomplishment has renewed discussions about Pakistan’s shortage of organ donors. Health specialists estimate that 10 to 15 people die daily due to the lack of available organs. They have called for greater awareness, legal reforms, and public education to promote organ donation across the country.
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Experts also emphasized the need to invest in research and advanced medical technologies, such as xenotransplantation, to address the rising demand for organs.
This remarkable success demonstrates the Pakistan Army’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian causes and medical innovation. It also stands as a powerful reminder that organ donation can transform lives, offering hope and healing to those in need.
