RAWALPINDI: In a remarkable medical breakthrough, specialist surgeons from the Pakistan Army successfully restored the eyesight of two soldiers through pioneering eye transplants.
The operations were performed on 30-year-old soldier Aliullah and 26-year-old Falak Sher at the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO). Both soldiers regained their vision, marking a historic achievement in Pakistan’s medical field.
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The transplants were made possible through the donation of a woman’s eyes. Her daughter, Zehra Mehdi, expressed pride in her late mother’s act of generosity, calling it “a source of eternal charity (sadaqah-e-jariyah)” and the “greatest honour” that her mother’s eyes now serve two brave soldiers.
Medical experts have hailed the procedure as a major step forward for Pakistan’s healthcare system and organ donation efforts.
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However, they continue to warn about the country’s low rate of organ donations, largely due to social taboos and religious hesitation. In Pakistan, 10 to 15 people die daily because organs are unavailable, while medical professionals are urging reforms to encourage both living and posthumous donations.
Experts also highlight the future potential of xenotransplantation—animal-to-human organ transfers—as a way to help bridge the organ shortage gap.
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Despite challenges, the AFIO’s successful transplants offer new hope and symbolize the power of compassion, science, and sacrifice in saving lives.