Pakistan Army Performs Country’s First-Ever Corneal Transplant from Female Donor

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the Pakistan Army has successfully performed the country’s first-ever corneal transplant from a female donor, giving two brave soldiers the precious gift of sight. The historic procedure took place at the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), a leading eye care and research center of the Pakistan military.

The transplant marks a major step forward for Pakistan’s medical community and highlights the life-saving potential of organ donation.

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A Historic Step in Pakistan’s Medical Field

The successful transplant was performed on two soldiers, 30-year-old Aliullah and 26-year-old Falak Sher, who had both lost their vision during counter-terrorism operations. Thanks to the transplant, they can now see again a moment of hope and joy for them and their families.

The donated corneas came from the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askari, whose family honored her last wish to donate her eyes. Her selfless act has set an inspiring example of humanity, compassion, and patriotism.

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The Emotional Story Behind the Donor

The donor’s daughter, Zehra Mehdi, expressed immense pride in her late mother’s contribution.
She said, “The greatest honor is that my mother’s eyes were donated to two brave soldiers.”

She called it a “source of eternal charity (sadaqah-e-jariyah),” reflecting how one act of kindness continues to benefit others even after death.

This emotional story has deeply moved the nation and encouraged more people to consider organ and tissue donation as a way to serve humanity.

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The Role of AFIO in Pakistan’s Healthcare Progress

The Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) played a vital role in this success. The institute has long been recognized for its advanced research, modern facilities, and expert medical staff specializing in ophthalmic surgery.

Under the supervision of skilled army surgeons, the AFIO team executed the complex corneal transplant procedure with precision. The surgery’s success demonstrates how Pakistan’s military medical units continue to advance the country’s healthcare system while serving national interests.

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Raising Awareness About Organ Donation in Pakistan

Medical experts have hailed this achievement as a historic milestone for Pakistan. However, they also emphasized the urgent need for greater public awareness about organ donation.

In Pakistan, it is estimated that 10 to 15 people die every day due to the lack of available organs for transplant. Many people are unaware of the process or have religious or cultural hesitations about donating organs.

Doctors and medical associations are now calling for reforms in the organ donation laws and better education campaigns to inspire voluntary donors. They also highlight the importance of research in new fields such as xenotransplantation (using organs from animals for human transplants) to meet growing medical demands.

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The Significance of a Female Donor

This event is particularly remarkable because it involved a female donor a first in Pakistan’s history. It challenges traditional social norms and empowers women to take active roles in humanitarian causes.

The donation serves as a reminder that women’s contributions, even in death, can change lives and inspire national progress. The female donor’s gesture also underlines the values of empathy, equality, and service that lie at the heart of Islam and Pakistani culture.

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A Beacon of Hope for the Future

The Pakistan Army’s first corneal transplant stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of visually impaired individuals across the country. It showcases how modern medical practices, combined with compassion and dedication, can bring light back into people’s lives.

It also sends a powerful message organ donation is not just a medical process; it’s an act of humanity that saves lives, restores hope, and builds stronger communities.

With continued investment, research, and public support, Pakistan can expand its organ transplant programs and become a regional leader in healthcare innovation.

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Conclusion

The Pakistan Army’s historic corneal transplant is more than a medical success it’s a story of courage, generosity, and progress. The late donor’s noble act has transformed the lives of two soldiers and opened the door for a brighter, more compassionate future for Pakistan’s healthcare system.

By promoting awareness about organ donation, encouraging reforms, and celebrating such milestones, Pakistan can ensure that many more lives are saved through the gift of sight and life itself.