EVER since the passing away of Abdul Sattar Edhi, there has been much discussion about the great man’s legacy.

While it has correctly been pointed out that his fleet of ambulances, network of charitable services and various other philanthropic projects run by his organisation will ensure his name and spirit live on, one particular ‘gift’ Edhi gave needs to be increasingly highlighted: donating his eyes.

In his lifetime, Edhi had pledged to donate his organs; following his death, his eyes were transplanted in two recipients.

In Pakistan, where organ donation levels are very low, publicising this fact and encouraging others to follow Edhi’s example to donate organs after death can perhaps change the situation.

Organ donation can save the lives of countless patients with end-stage organ failure. As Dr Adeeb Rizvi — director of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation and long-time campaigner for the cause — noted, “tens of thousands” of donations are needed in the country.

Over 50,000 people die every year in Pakistan due to end-stage organ failure; many of these lives could be saved if more people pledged to donate their body parts after death.

There are, of course, cultural barriers and misunderstandings preventing greater donations. For example, many Pakistanis may not be aware that there is religious sanction for the practice.

They need to be informed that many Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt, allow cadaveric organ transplants, and that many Islamic scholars belonging to different schools of thought approve of it.

This information can be critical in countering the misperceptions that are at times deliberately spread by some amongst the clergy. Moreover, the campaign to enlist donors would get a major boost if more public figures pledged that their organs be donated after death.

Major politicians, sports stars and other celebrities, for example, can lead the way in order to convince the public that organ donation is a noble act that can save many lives.

The legal cover is in place, although more needs to be done to crack down on illegal transplants. What is needed immediately is a concerted campaign involving the state and activists to inform the public, and encourage citizens to donate their organs.

There has been a genuine outpouring of affection for Edhi across the country. Now, these feelings should be channelled into convincing people that amongst the best ways to pay homage to the late social worker is to emulate his act of donating organs after death.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2016