Dr Adib Rizvi, founder of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), on Saturday motivated several doctors and paramedics into signing up for organ donation during a talk at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical and Dental Centre (JPMC).

Several medical professionals from the JPMC, including its Executive Director and Head of Emergency Dr Seemin Jamali, signed up for the organ donation programme after being inspired by the talk.

"I was the first one to sign up for organ donation as there is nothing more noble than saving another life," she told Dawn.

"Over a hundred forms were issued to people, out of these 37 have already been filled up and signed... other staff members will soon send in their forms in as well," said Dr Raza Rizvi, a member of JPMC's administration and one of the organisers of the event.

During the session, Dr Jamali quoted from the Holy Quran which says that "to save a single life is equivalent to saving all of humanity".

Dr Rizvi added that most Islamic schools of thoughts had passed decrees in favour of organ donation.

He gave the example of Abdul Sattar Edhi who donated his eyes and as a result gave the gift of sight to two people.

In Pakistan, thousands wait every year for organ donations, but for the overwhelming majority, the wait is in vain.

Despite having the framework in place, Pakistan has so far not managed to change the societal mindset regarding cadaver donations.