Three Donors, Ten Lives Saved: A Historic Achievement at PKLI
A remarkable milestone demonstrating innovation, teamwork, and hope for patients and families across Pakistan.
“The most profound part was the planning and its flawless execution. Three donors and ten transplants is remarkable.”
— Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Chairman Board of Governors, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI)
“Alhamdolillah, the dream of creating an internationally renowned center of excellence in transplantation has become a reality today despite all negativity for three years. It is the sincerity of cause and the honesty of purpose that Allah SWT never leaves unrewarded.”
These words from Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar capture the significance of one of the most remarkable achievements in Pakistan’s medical history.
Recently, PKLI successfully performed 10 liver transplants in just 23 hours and 20 minutes, including procedures involving nine children and one adult. The achievement has attracted international attention, and documentation has been submitted for review by Guinness World Records.
For Dr. Akhtar, however, the accomplishment represents far more than a number or a potential record. It reflects years of vision, dedication, innovation, and teamwork across the entire institution.
According to Dr. Akhtar, the most extraordinary aspect of this achievement was the planning and flawless execution that made it possible. The entire institution—from the Board of Governors and physicians to surgeons, nurses, technical teams, and support staff—played a role in bringing this complex undertaking to life.
Multiple operating rooms worked simultaneously as highly specialized transplant teams carefully coordinated a chain of surgeries involving children suffering from rare inherited metabolic disorders.
Many of the children had livers that were structurally healthy but carried genetic enzyme defects, including conditions such as familial hyperlipidemia and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Through advanced transplant techniques, portions of donor livers were exchanged between patients, allowing healthy liver tissue to correct the underlying metabolic disorder.
Dr. Akhtar described this chain of surgeries as one of the most sophisticated and beautiful aspects of the entire effort. The procedures required extraordinary coordination, scientific expertise, and contingency planning. Backup family donors were prepared and ready should any part of the transplant chain have been interrupted.
The results have been remarkable. Within weeks of surgery, children suffering from life-threatening metabolic disorders showed dramatic improvements in their health. Lipid levels normalized in children affected by familial hyperlipidemia, while bilirubin levels normalized in patients with Crigler-Najjar syndrome, giving them a renewed opportunity for healthier lives.
Beyond the scientific achievement, Dr. Akhtar reflected on the human impact of the experience.
“This was an excellent spiritual experience meeting some of these kids and their thankful parents.”
The accomplishment also demonstrates the power of innovation, collaboration, and responsible organ stewardship. Through advanced transplant planning and execution, three generous donors helped make ten life-saving transplants possible.
Dr. Akhtar emphasized that this achievement belongs to the entire PKLI family and serves as a testament to what can be accomplished when faith, teamwork, innovation, and service to humanity come together.
As PKLI continues to advance transplantation medicine and provide world-class healthcare services, this milestone stands as a beacon of hope for patients and families across Pakistan and beyond.
All praises belong to Allah SWT, who granted the capability, opportunity, and success to make this achievement possible.
About Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI)
Since its inception, PKLI has become one of the region’s leading transplant centers, performing more than 1,175 liver transplants and 1,276 kidney transplants while continuing to expand access to advanced healthcare services for patients across Pakistan.
Sources & Acknowledgments
This article was prepared using information from:
• Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Chairman, Board of Governors, PKLI
• Prof. Dr. Faisal Saud Dar, Dean, PKLI
• Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI)
• PKLI Scientific Seminar: Life After Life – The Power of Organ Donation (June 2026)
• Public reporting by Vitals News regarding PKLI’s recent transplant milestone
Learn more about PKLI: https://pkli.org.pk
