Daily Times

LAHORE: Implementation on directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding ban on the use of sheesha and other related items is need of the hour to help control the increasing use of drugs in sheesha cafes.

This was stated by Anti-narcotics Campaign Consultant Syed Zulfiqar Hussain during a media briefing on ‘Drug Addiction through Sheesha Cafes’ on Sunday. The briefing was held in connection with the decision of Supreme Court regarding ban on sheesha cafes under the auspices of AMQI Planners and Drug Advisory Training Hub- a project of Youth Council for Anti Narcotics (YOCFAN) and the City District Government Lahore (CDGL).

Hussain said the government should educate people, especially youth, regarding the hazards of sheesha smoking and use of other harmful intoxicants. He advised that harmful effects of excessive use of drugs through sheesha on health should be advertised via print and electronic media, lectures, handbills, public meetings and display of holding board on roads.

The consultant warned that the trend of sheesha smoking is increasing day-by-day in various parts of the country. “Our youth has succumbed to using hard and soft drugs, and the ratio of the young girls getting attracted to it is alarming,” he added.

He said the Punjab Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Bill, 2014 was tabled on March 11, 2014 in Punjab Assembly where all the members unanimously passed it. However, after two years, the bill was still not properly implemented in Punjab.