Daily Times

The Supreme Court (SC) has been pursuing a case about the implementation of a ban on sheesha smoking. On Thursday, the apex court was informed about the registration of 177 cases against those persons who were charged with sheesha smoking. The SC has also sought a report from the federal and provincial governments regarding the ban on sheesha smoking. The healthcare department has informed the court about different measures that have so far been taken to discourage the use of sheesha while a bill is in the process of legislation for the imposition of a complete ban on sheesha smoking and import of its ingredients. Though the intervention by the SC is welcome, yet the matter needs to be dealt with by concerned authorities by applying sensible approach. There are other forms of tobacco that are easily available in the market and there is no check on their sale and purchase despite the fact that they are equally dangerous for health. Betel nut, betel leaf and cigarettes are openly sold in the market. No doubt there should be a check on the use of such addictives, but a sensible approach needs to be applied to tackle this addiction. The lethargic attitude of concerned authorities is also a cause for the spread of sheesha smoking among people. Why was negligence shown when so many sheesha cafes were opening in posh localities of cities? Why was permission given to people to invest their money in this business that dealt with a product that is said to be addictive, and bad for health? In a sluggish economy, it is imprudent to allow investments simply to be wasted later under one pretext or the other, which consequently act as a demoralising factor for new investors.

Most people believe that sheesha does not contain tobacco, and on smoking sheesha, they inhale herbal products. They have a misconception based on an unscientific notion that tobacco used in sheesha is herbal and does not affect body organs. In fact, the bad effects of this practice are enormous on its users. Some studies suggest a user may inhale as much smoke during one session as smoking 100 or more cigarettes. Others say it is only as bad as smoking 10 or so cigarettes. There is a widespread misconception about the health implications of sheesha. For example, some users think the water pipe filters out toxins, while others are misled by the sweet fruit flavours. In the context of myriad theories floating around, proper awareness needs to be imparted about its ill effect on the body among smokers.

No matter what the level of enjoyment or relaxation, it is important that people are aware that smoking sheesha on a regular basis puts one’s health at risk. The dangers of hookah smoking should be publicised in much the same way health professionals and activists raised awareness about the dangers of cigarette smoking and continue to do so. People should not continue to live under the misconception that sheesha smoking is harmless. Rather, government needs to take concrete steps for the elimination of the use of this sort of drug under a phased programme. *