Rotary Karachi Walk Raises Awareness on Mouth Cancer, Polio and Drug Abuse

Rotary Karachi organised a “Walk a Cause” in Karachi to raise awareness about mouth cancer, polio prevention and drug abuse. The campaign also promoted oral health, early detection and the dangers of tobacco and other harmful substances.

The walk began at 7:10am from McDonald’s and ended at Nishan-e-Pakistan, where organisers held a closing ceremony. Senior Rotary leaders and guests addressed participants before organisers presented shields and certificates.

Honnak Baloch, Director General Narcotics & Control, Government of Sindh, attended the event as chief guest. He called for collective action against narcotics, tobacco, gutka, niswar and other harmful substances, particularly because of their impact on young people.

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District Governor Shahzad Sabir highlighted Rotary’s community-service mission. He stressed that prevention, early detection and vaccination require continued public participation.

DG MOFA Irfan Soomro also stressed cooperation between Rotary, government institutions and community organisations. He said such partnerships can help address important health and social challenges.

Dr Syed Naveed Manzoor, Chair of the Oral Health Committee and President of Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl, chaired the event. Dr Kausar Tariq, Co-Chair of the Oral Health Committee, also played a key role in organising the initiative.

Naveed Adenwalla, President 2026–27 of the Rotary Club of Karachi Educational Development, supported the campaign alongside participating Rotary clubs and community partners.

The participating clubs included RCK Pearl, RCK Sunset Millennium, RCK Quaid, RCK Educational Development, RCK Happy Palace and RCK Environment. RCK Roshni, RCK Centennial and RCK Sunrise also supported the programme.

Several distinguished guests received recognition during the closing ceremony. They included District Governor Shahzad Sabir, DGE Fahad Sikander, DGN Abdul Jabbar Sheikh, DG MOFA Irfan Soomro, Honnak Baloch, MPA Rehan Bandukda and Dr Noor ul Wahab of the Pakistan Dental Association.

Other recognised participants included Mazhar Valgee of Kiran Hospital and Kiran Patients Welfare Society, Dr Annie Talaal, Durdana Arshad, Areeba Hunain of HOL Foundation and Major Saleem of the Anti-Narcotics Force.

The event also received significant media coverage, extending its public-health message beyond the participants. Organisers highlighted the dangers of gutka, chalia, niswar, tobacco and other cancer-causing substances.

The campaign also reinforced the need to prevent drug abuse and maintain efforts toward a polio-free Pakistan. Organisers encouraged families and young people to make healthier choices and support community health initiatives.

Advisor to the District Governor 2026–27, PP Syed Kashif Rafi, hosted the closing ceremony. He thanked the guests, Rotary leaders, participating clubs, partners and volunteers for supporting the campaign.

The programme concluded with the presentation of shields and certificates to distinguished guests and supporting organisations.