BY: FT Correspondent :
KARACHI — Rotary clubs in Karachi organised a “Walk a Cause – Mouth Cancer, Polio Awareness and Drug Abuse” to raise awareness about oral health, early detection of mouth cancer, prevention of tobacco and substance-related diseases, and the continued campaign for a polio-free Pakistan. The initiative was held in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Department Sindh and the Anti-Narcotics Force.
The walk started from McDonald’s at 7:10 AM and concluded at Nishan-e-Pakistan, where a closing ceremony was held. Honnak Baloch, DG Narcotics & Control, Government of Sindh, was the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, Baloch stressed the need for collective efforts against narcotics, drug abuse, tobacco, gutka, niswar and other harmful substances, particularly because of their impact on public health and young people.
Rotary District Governor Shahzad Sabir highlighted Rotary’s commitment to community service and public-health awareness, while DG MOFA Irfan Soomro emphasised cooperation among Rotary, government institutions and community organisations.
The event was chaired by Dr Syed Naveed Manzoor, Chair of the Oral Health Committee and President RCK Pearl, with Dr Kausar Tariq, Co-Chair of the committee, playing a key role in the initiative. The campaign was also supported by Naveed Adenwalla, President 2026–27, Rotary Club of Karachi Educational Development.
Several Rotary clubs participated in the initiative, including RCK Pearl, RCK Sunset Millennium, RCK Quaid, RCK Educational Development, RCK Happy Palace and RCK Environment, while RCK Roshni, RCK Centennial and RCK Sunrise supported the programme.
During the closing ceremony, distinguished guests, Rotary leaders, healthcare professionals, representatives of civil society and supporting organisations were recognised for their contribution. The event also received significant media coverage, helping spread awareness about the harmful effects of gutka, chalia, niswar, tobacco and drug abuse, as well as the importance of maintaining efforts for a polio-free Pakistan.
The ceremony was hosted by PP Syed Kashif Rafi, Advisor to the District Governor 2026–27. The programme concluded with the presentation of shields and certificates to distinguished guests and supporting organisations.
