RAWALPINDI : In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s medical community, the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) has successfully performed the country’s first-ever corneal transplant using tissue from a female donor. The pioneering procedure restored vision to two soldiers who had lost their sight during counter-terrorism operations.
The corneas were donated by the late wife of Major General (Retd) Zafar Mehdi Askarri, who had pledged to donate her eyes upon her passing. Her selfless act became a beacon of hope for 30-year-old soldier Ali and 26-year-old soldier Falak Sher, both of whom sustained vision loss while serving on the frontlines.
The surgical team at AFIO executed the complex transplant with precision, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s ophthalmic care. The success of the procedure not only highlights the capabilities of military medical institutions but also sets a precedent for future organ and tissue donations in the country.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Zahra Mehdi, daughter of the late donor, expressed profound pride in her mother’s legacy.
“The greatest honor is that my mother’s eyes have brought light back into the lives of two brave soldiers,” she said. “This donation is a living legacy of her sacrifice and will continue to benefit others.”
The achievement is being hailed as a moment of national pride, symbolizing the intersection of medical innovation, military service, and human compassion.
