In a deeply meaningful first for Pakistan, two soldiers injured in counter-terrorism operations have had their eyesight restored thanks to a cornea donation from a female donor.
The transplants were carried out by specialists at the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO). The donor was the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askari, who had expressed the wish that her eyes be donated after her passing — a rare and powerful act of compassion in Pakistan.
Because of her donation, 30-year-old Aliullah and 26-year-old Falak Sher, both soldiers who had lost their vision in the line of duty, are now able to see again.
A Daughter’s Pride
The donor’s daughter, Zehra Mehdi, said her mother’s final act reflects the values she lived by.
“The greatest honor is that my mother’s eyes were donated to two brave soldiers,” she said, calling it sadaqah-e-jariyah — a charity that continues to benefit others long after one is gone.
Her words touched many who heard the story, especially since organ donation is still uncommon in Pakistan.
A Wake-Up Call on Organ Donation
Doctors and public health experts say the success of these surgeries is a breakthrough — not just medically, but socially. Pakistan encounters a severe shortage of organ donors, and thousands of masses who could be treated simply never get the chance.
Health officials estimate that 10 to 15 people die every day in the country because they can’t access organs in time. Corneal blindness is widespread, yet it is treatable — if donors are available.
Why This Holds The Immense Importance
The AFIO’s success has sparked fresh discussion on:
• Encouraging voluntary organ donation
• Making the donation process simpler and regulated
• Tackling myths and fears surrounding the topic
• Investing in new fields like xenotransplantation
More than anything, this case has shown what’s possible. A single donor gave two people their sight back — and set an example that could change how Pakistan thinks about saving lives.