CJP seeks guidance of Dr Adeeb Rizvi on illegal liver transplant case

Questions why social media isn’t being used to curb this illegal practice

KARACHI: The Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, in his remarks in the illegal liver transplants case, said that it is a serious matter and asked who were the individuals behind this, why have they not been caught yet and why have the government not monitored the situation.

A three-member Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justice Faisal Arab and Justice Sajid Ali Shah under the supervision of CJP Saqib Nisar, is hearing the illegal liver transplantation case in the Karachi registry on Saturday.

Dr Adeeb Rizvi of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) was also present in the court. He was asked by the CJP to help the courts in curbing this menace.



Dr Rizvi told the court that the lack of law enforcement has allowed this illegal business to not only thrive but also put the country’s name on the top of illegal liver transplant list. He said the law enforcement authorities must act to put a stop to this menace.

The CJP asked for Dr Rizvi’s guidance as to what could be done in the long run to curb this nuisance so that the court can order the concerned authorities as per his advice. The CJP further said that the courts will bring the Law Justice Commission into action in this regard. He also said the media can play a vital role in helping the authorities in curbing this menace via public service advertisements.

The CJP, in his remarks, said that the destitute are forced into selling their organs due to poverty. He also said that this issue has been addressed in Punjab, several transplant centers have been constructed as well. If there is a legislation that needs to be worked on and passed, then at least let the courts know, he remarked.

He wondered why social media wasn’t being used to curb this illegal practice. He further said that the courts will comply with whatever needs to be done in putting this menace to a stop. He also asked the lawyers, retired judges and the civil society to take up this issue.

The CJP advised Dr Rizvi to secure the services of Munir A Malik. He then asked Dr Rizvi for his guidance and help again, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to a noble cause, while the CJP is only getting an opportunity to work on this issue at a later stage in his life.



The CJP has also devised a committee of senior doctors to help curb this menace. The CJP also asked Dr Rizvi and other doctors to use his chamber.