PAKISTAN recently crossed a significant milestone with its first-ever pancreatic and split liver transplants carried out at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre in Lahore. This was made possible with a single act of generosity by Uzair bin Yasin, 31, from Rawalpindi, who posthumously saved seven lives through organ donation, and his family, who honoured his wishes to donate. Organ donation remains a challenge in Pakistan due to social, religious, and ethical concerns. One major hurdle is the discomfort families feel at the thought of their deceased loved ones being operated upon, coupled with religious misconceptions. Although the country’s Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 2010, received widespread religious approval, these misconceptions persist. This is in contrast to other Muslim-majority countries where organ donation is supported and encouraged, demonstrating that faith need not be a barrier to saving lives.

There is a pressing need for organ transplants in Pakistan, with hundreds of thousands dying annually from end-stage organ failure while waiting for a donated organ. By donating their organs, a person can save the lives of eight people and help about 75 others with cornea and tissue donations. The situation calls for a concerted effort at both the state and societal levels. The state must improve infrastructure for organ donation and transplantation — organs must be harvested within three to four hours of a person’s brain death — ensure transparent organ allocation systems, and counter public hesitation through awareness. Simultaneously, society must engage in dispelling myths around organ donation. The ulema have a crucial role in advocating for organ donation as an ultimate act of charity, while public figures and influencers should normalise and encourage it. In essence, embracing organ donation as a society means breaking down barriers of misinformation and stigma. It requires a collective shift towards viewing organ donation not just as a medical procedure, but also as a profound act of altruism.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2024