Organ Donation and Transplantation in Pakistan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law editorial team. Sources: pakistancode.gov.pk, Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan provincial codes, Supreme Court of Pakistan, FBR, EOBI, SBP, NEPRA, OGRA, PMDC, FIA, and provincial Healthcare Commissions. Provincial variations cite Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan Acts and ICT-specific ordinances. Written in plain English with everyday Urdu legal terms (FIR, qabza, khula, NTN, CNIC) for a general audience — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If somebody offers to "arrange" a kidney for you in Pakistan for cash, walk away. Both buyer and seller commit a criminal offence under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2010, with five to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 million. The same penalty applies to the doctor who performs the procedure.
Pakistan was, by the late 2000s, an internationally notorious hub for the kidney trade — foreign buyers flying in for transplants from impoverished rural donors. The 2010 Act, championed by Dr Adib Rizvi (founder of SIUT in Karachi, which began as an eight-bed urology unit at Civil Hospital in 1970), criminalised commercial transplantation. The Act now regulates the entire field:
- Living donor: must be a close blood relative (parent, child, sibling, spouse). Donations from non-relatives need approval of an Evaluation Committee at HOTA — and are heavily scrutinised.
- Cadaveric donation: allowed with prior documented consent (organ donor card or written wish), with family confirmation at the time. Also possible with brain-death certification by a panel of doctors.
- Centres: only HOTA-registered transplant centres can perform transplants. Currently SIUT (Karachi), PKLI (Lahore), AKUH, and a few others.
- Penalties: 5–10 years' imprisonment for commercial trade; same for performing illegal transplant.
Practical issues:
- Long waiting lists at SIUT and PKLI for cadaveric kidneys/livers.
- Some patients seek transplants abroad (illegal in many countries too) — legal complications on return.
- Evaluation Committee process for non-relative donor is rigorous and rejection-prone.
When does it apply?
- You or a family member needs an organ transplant.
- You wish to donate organs (alive or after death).
- You suspect illegal commercial transplant activity.
What to do for organ transplant or donation
- For evaluation: visit a HOTA-registered centre — SIUT, PKLI, AKUH, etc.
- For non-relative donation: file application with HOTA Evaluation Committee with full documentation. Be prepared for rejection if commercial intent is suspected.
- For cadaveric donation: register intent with SIUT or other centre. Inform family. Donor cards are issued.
- To report illegal transplant activity: complaint to HOTA + FIR with police. Several syndicates have been prosecuted.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't pay for organs. Both buyer and seller commit criminal offences.
- Don't go to non-registered centres. The procedure won't be valid; criminal exposure.
- Don't accept "agent" offers for fast-track donation matching. These are typically commercial trade fronts.
Frequently asked questions
Can my friend donate a kidney to me?
Generally no. The 2010 Act restricts living donation to close blood relatives (parent, sibling, spouse, child). Non-relative donations need HOTA Evaluation Committee approval — rare and rigorously scrutinised to prevent commercial trade.
Is cadaveric donation legal?
Yes, with prior consent (donor card or written wish) and family confirmation. SIUT runs Pakistan's largest deceased donor programme. Brain-death certification by qualified panel allows organ retrieval.
What's the punishment for buying an organ?
5–10 years' imprisonment plus fine up to Rs 1 million. The Act is enforced; HOTA conducts undercover operations against trafficking syndicates.
When does organ donation and transplantation apply?
You or a family member needs an organ transplant.You wish to donate organs (alive or after death).You suspect illegal commercial transplant activity.
Who can donate a kidney to me in Pakistan?
For evaluation: visit a HOTA-registered centre — SIUT, PKLI, AKUH, etc.For non-relative donation: file application with HOTA Evaluation Committee with full documentation. Be prepared for rejection if commercial intent is suspected.For cadaveric donation: register intent with SIUT or other centre. Inform family. Donor cards are issued.To report illegal transplant activity: complaint to HOTA + FIR with police. Several syndicates have been prosecuted.
What mistakes should I avoid with organ donation and transplantation?
Don't pay for organs. Both buyer and seller commit criminal offences.Don't go to non-registered centres. The procedure won't be valid; criminal exposure.Don't accept "agent" offers for fast-track donation matching. These are typically commercial trade fronts.