IHC orders crackdown on these sheesha cafés and drug activities

Court seeks proper regulatory framework

The IHC issued the directions while hearing several petitions related to sheesha cafés and restaurants. It asked the federal government to respond and ordered the authorities to establish and enforce a proper regulatory framework within one month.

The court also directed the federal cabinet to speed up the approval of legislation and regulations concerning sheesha smoking. It said protecting young people from drug abuse and sheesha consumption was the government’s responsibility.

Legal and illegal cafés treated differently

The court made a clear distinction between legal and illegal establishments. It directed Islamabad Police to continue strict action against unlawful sheesha cafés but ordered that legally operating restaurants should not face unlawful interference.

However, cafés and restaurants found violating laws, rules or permits will face strict legal action. The court made it clear that legal protection would not apply to establishments operating outside the law.

Police and ANF told to work together

The IHC directed the Advocate General Islamabad and the Additional Attorney General to raise the matter with relevant authorities. They were also told to ensure that the court’s directions are followed.

The court further ordered the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to assist Islamabad Police in controlling drug-related activities. The move reflects concerns about possible drug use and underage access at some sheesha cafés.

Petitions clubbed together

The court expressed concern over the absence of a clear legal framework for sheesha cafés in the capital. It ordered the authorities to finalise the relevant rules within one month and submit a compliance report.

The IHC also ordered that all related petitions be heard together. Further proceedings have been adjourned until October 13.

The order gives temporary relief to legal sheesha cafés but also demands stronger regulation. The government now has one month to prepare clear rules, while illegal businesses will continue to face action.

What is sheesha and how is it injurious to health?

Sheesha (hookah) is a smoking device in which tobacco or another substance is heated, and the smoke passes through water before it is inhaled through a pipe.

Yes, sheesha is harmful to health. It is not always a drug itself, but the tobacco used in it contains nicotine, which is an addictive drug. Some sheesha products may also contain cannabis or other drugs.

Sheesha (hookah) is a smoking device also called a water pipe. Tobacco, usually mixed with flavours and sweeteners, is heated with charcoal, and the smoke passes through water before entering the lungs.

Is sheesha a drug?

Sheesha itself is a smoking device, not a drug. However, ordinary sheesha tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive drug that can make a person dependent on smoking. Some people also use sheesha to smoke cannabis or other drugs.

How does sheesha harm health?

• Lung damage: It can reduce lung function and increase the risk of breathing problems and lung disease.
• Cancer risk: Its smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals and is linked to cancers, including lung and mouth cancers.
• Heart problems: It can increase heart rate and blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide, which reduces the oxygen carried in the blood and may cause headache, dizziness, fainting, or serious poisoning.
• Addiction: Nicotine can create cravings and dependence.
• Infections: Sharing the mouthpiece can spread infections if it is not properly cleaned.

Does water make sheesha safe?

No. The water does not remove all harmful chemicals. Sheesha smoke still contains nicotine, carbon monoxide, metals, and other toxic substances. A typical one-hour session can expose a person to much more smoke than one cigarette.

Even herbal or tobacco-free sheesha is not harmless, because the charcoal and smoke can still produce toxic chemicals.

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