KARACHI: A life-changing moment unfolded at the Pakistan Eye Bank Society (PEBS) Hospital as the gifted cornea of veteran journalist Zubaida Mustafa was successfully transplanted into Mohammad Sadiq, a visually impaired schoolteacher who had lived in darkness for years.
Zubaida Mustafa, known not only for her pioneering role in journalism but also for her advocacy of humanitarian causes, had pledged to donate her corneas back in 1975. True to her lifelong commitment to public welfare, her wish was honored after her passing, and both corneas were retrieved by PEBS.
One transplant was carried out at PEBS Hospital and the other at SIUT, benefiting two blind individuals. The surgery at PEBS was performed by Dr. Faisal Murtaza, who confirmed the procedure's success and said that Mr. Sadiq is now on the path to regaining his vision.
“Corneal donation after death is a noble humanitarian act that gives the blind a chance to live independently and see their loved ones,” said Qazi Sajid Ali, President of the Pakistan Eye Bank Society. “Zubaida Mustafa’s gesture will inspire countless others to pledge their eyes and break the myths that surround this cause.”
PEBS has been working since 1968 to combat preventable blindness through local corneal donations. The organization hopes that Zubaida Mustafa's final act of kindness will serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make, even after death.
