KUALA LUMPUR: The International Islamic Conference today [April 22] accepted in principle the transplant of cornea, heart, kidney and other vital human organs between Muslims and non-Muslims.

The chairman of the conference Dato Rahman Yacob of Malaysia hailed the decision which was unanimously accepted at a Committee discussion on the subject. He described it as a “major breakthrough”. The week-long conference, attended by over 100 delegates and observers from all over the world, broke into six committees today to work out details of the various subjects in the agenda. Dato Rahman Yacob, who is the Minister of Lands and Mines, told a Press conference this evening that it was “most striking” that the decision on transplantation, did not confine the donor or the recipient of the organ to Muslims only. It has been accepted without an prejudice on colour or creed, he added.

[Meanwhile, our correspondent reports from Lahore] The President, General A.M. Yahya Khan, said here today [April 22] that general elections in the country would be held as early as possible.

The President, who was replying to newsmen’s questions on his arrival here today on a two-day visit to Lahore, said the present electoral rolls would be corrected and revised as people had some objections to their accuracy. — Agencies

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2019