In a landmark medical achievement, surgeons at the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) in Rawalpindi have successfully restored the eyesight of two soldiers through corneal transplants from a female donor, marking the first procedure of its kind in Pakistan’s history.

The corneas were donated by the late Mrs Syed Zafar Mehdi Askari, who had expressed her wish to donate her eyes before her passing.

Her donated corneas were successfully transplanted into 30-year-old soldier Ali Ullah and 26-year-old soldier Falak Sher, both of whom had lost their vision during counterterrorism operations.

AFIO’s team of expert surgeons performed the delicate procedures using advanced surgical techniques and modern medical equipment, restoring both soldiers’ sight.

Medical specialists hailed the success as a historic milestone in the field of vision restoration in Pakistan.

Expressing pride in her mother’s legacy, Zehra Mehdi, daughter of the late Mrs Askari, said: “It is the greatest honour for our family that my mother’s eyes were donated to two brave soldiers. Her gift has become a lasting act of charity and gratitude.”

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also commended the AFIO’s surgeons for their achievement, calling it a remarkable example of humanity, sacrifice, and hope.

Medical experts noted that awareness about organ and corneal donation is gradually increasing in Pakistan, and this successful operation could inspire more people to pledge their organs for donation, giving new hope to those suffering from vision loss.

AFIO officials said the institute now plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on eye donation, building on this success to help more visually impaired patients benefit from the “gift of sight.”