From a grand welcome in Karachi to hands-on polio vaccination drives in Lyari, and from a courtesy call on the Chief Minister of Sindh to landmark health and community initiatives, Rotary International President-Elect Larry A. Lunsford’s visit to Pakistan was a memorable journey of fellowship, service, and shared purpose.
Throughout the visit, President-Elect Lunsford was accompanied by RI Trustee Aziz Memon, District Governor Shahzad Sabir, District Governor-Elect Fahad Sikandar, District Governor-Nominee Engr. Abdul Jabbar Shaikh, and other Rotary leaders. The delegation engaged directly with communities, institutions, and government partners across District 3271.
A Warm Welcome at the Intercity Meeting
The visit began with the Intercity Meeting on Sunday, 26 July, at the PC Ballroom, Pearl-Continental Hotel, Karachi. The evening opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of the United States and Pakistan, symbolising Rotary’s spirit of unity, mutual respect, and global friendship. The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Karachi Karsaz, alongside the Rotary Club of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Quaid, Rotary Club of Khairpur Green City, and Rotary Club of Karachi Shahrah-e-Faisal. President-Elect Lunsford’s presence inspired Rotarians and reinforced the district’s commitment to strengthening clubs, growing membership, and creating lasting community impact.
Rotary Smart Village: A Model of Sustainable Impact
The delegation visited the Rotary Smart Village, witnessing an integrated model of sustainable community development. The guests met local artisans producing traditional clay pottery as a source of livelihood, visited the E-Learning Centre providing digital education to children and youth, and toured the Skills Development Centre, where women receive training in stitching, tailoring, and fashion design.
At the community healthcare facility, residents receive primary care, first aid, medical consultations, and essential medicines free of cost. The village also benefits from clean drinking water, improved sanitation, and environmental initiatives.
President-Elect Lunsford praised the Smart Village as an outstanding example of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus brought together within one community and a true embodiment of Service Above Self.
Tree Plantation Drive, Public School Mirpurkhas
Following the inauguration of a new RO Water Filtration Plant at Public School, Mirpurkhas, President-Elect Lunsford joined district leadership in planting a commemorative tree. The tree plantation symbolised hope, growth, and a shared responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
Visit to Rotary Club of Karachi PN Model School
At the invitation of Humayun Qureshi, President of the Rotary Club of Karachi, the delegation visited PN Model School. The visit highlighted Rotary’s continued commitment to education and youth development. The delegation interacted with students, learned about the school’s educational initiatives, and reaffirmed Rotary’s dedication to empowering the next generation through quality education and community service.
RO Water Filtration Plant Inauguration, Mirpurkhas Railway Station
A landmark clean-water initiative was inaugurated at Mirpurkhas Railway Station with the completion of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration Plant. The facility will provide safe drinking water to commuters, railway staff, worshippers, and the surrounding community.
The project was made possible through the support of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Karachi. Special appreciation was extended to Rtn. Naila Masood, Past President of the Rotary Club of Karachi, and RI Trustee Aziz Memon, National Chair of the PolioPlus Committee, for their leadership, as well as Asher Ali, WASH Ambassador Pakistan, and Rtn. Dr. Farhan Malik of the WASH Committee, for their contributions to the project.
Courtesy Call on the Chief Minister of Sindh
The Rotary delegation, including Past RI Trustee Aziz Memon, District Governor Shahzad Sabir, DGE Fahad Sikandar, DGN Engr. Abdul Jabbar Shaikh, and PDG Saleem Rao, paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Chief Minister of Sindh. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Government of Sindh and Rotary to support Polio Supplemental National Immunization Days (SNIDs) and accelerate progress towards a polio-free Pakistan. Broader cooperation in health, education, and community development was also discussed.
Karabai Karimjee School, Lyari: Education, Health, and a Football Match
On Monday, 27 July, at the invitation of Rotary Club of Karachi Sunset Millennium President Dr. Kausar Malik, the delegation visited Karabai Karimjee School in Lyari. The school’s initiatives include the Takmil Accelerated Learning Program for non-formal education, an IT and vocational training hub, and a refurbished multi- purpose room. High-capacity water chillers and upgraded, segregated sanitation facilities support student health and welfare, while a joint medical clinic and immunization centre, operated in partnership with Greenstar and local health authorities, provides essential medical support.
The visit also featured a public health engagement, with President-Elect Lunsford and District Governor Shahzad Sabir personally administering polio vaccinations to local children. The day concluded with a “Kick Polio Out of Pakistan” exhibition match, where Mr. Lunsford and PDG Aftab Imam participated in a penalty shootout against the school’s girls’ football squad. The young athletes emerged victorious, bringing a joyful close to the visit and highlighting the talent and promise of Lyari’s youth.
Meeting with the Health Minister of Sindh
Rounding out the health-focused engagements, District Governor Shahzad Sabir, President-Elect Larry Lunsford, RI Trustee Aziz Memon, DGE Fahad Sikandar, and DGN Abdul Jabbar Shaikh met with the Honorable Health Minister of Sindh. The discussion reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s National Immunization Programme, with a focus on polio eradication, SNIDs, and other public health priorities.
From boardrooms to schoolyards, from government offices to a football pitch in Lyari, President-Elect Larry A. Lunsford’s visit to District 3271 demonstrated the impact that strong partnerships between Rotary, governments, communities, and fellow Rotarians can create. As Pakistan continues its journey towards a polio-free future and stronger, healthier communities, District 3271 remains committed to the shared vision that defined the visit: Service Above Self.
