By our correspondent
KARACHI: Rotary clubs in Karachi organized a public awareness walk to highlight the dangers of mouth cancer, drug abuse and tobacco-related diseases, while renewing calls for continued efforts to make Pakistan polio-free.
The “Walk a Cause – Mouth Cancer, Polio Awareness and Drug Abuse” was held in collaboration with the Sindh Narcotics Control Department and the Anti-Narcotics Force. The walk began from McDonald’s at 7.10am and ended at Nishan-e-Pakistan, where a closing ceremony was held.
Honnak Baloch, director general of Narcotics and Control, Government of Sindh, was the chief guest. He stressed the need for collective action against narcotics, tobacco, gutka, niswar and other harmful substances, particularly because of their impact on public health and young people.
Rotary District Governor Shahzad Sabir said sustained community participation was essential for prevention, early detection and vaccination. DG MOFA Irfan Soomro called for closer cooperation between Rotary, public institutions and community organizations to address health and social challenges.
The event was chaired by Dr Syed Naveed Manzoor, chair of the Oral Health Committee and president of Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl. Dr Kausar Tariq, co-chair of the Oral Health Committee, also played a key role in organizing the initiative.
Several Rotary clubs and community partners took part in the campaign, including RCK Pearl, RCK Sunset Millennium, RCK Quaid, RCK Educational Development, RCK Happy Palace and RCK Environment, with support from RCK Roshni, RCK Centennial and RCK Sunrise.
Speakers and organizers urged the public to avoid cancer-causing substances such as gutka, chalia, niswar and tobacco, while stressing the importance of preventing drug abuse and maintaining efforts to eradicate polio.
The campaign also received media coverage, helping take its public-health message to a wider audience and encouraging families and young people to make healthier choices. The closing ceremony was hosted by PP Syed Kashif Rafi, adviser to the district governor for 2026-27.
He thanked guests, Rotary leaders, participating clubs, partners and volunteers for supporting the campaign. The program ended with the presentation of shields and certificates to distinguished guests and supporting organizations.
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