The number of drug addicts across the country has doubled from 4 million to 9 million from 2000 to 2012 while the number of Sheesha smokers is also increasing rapidly in Lahore, said an annual report of drug addiction. The total numbers of Sheesha cafes in Lahore were around 316, out of which 189 were sealed in 2012.
Majority of the drugs are common in the areas of Lakshami Chowk, Nisbat Road, Royal Park, Railway Station, Ichchra, Data Darbar, Lower Mall, Old Anarkali, Bund Road, Ali Park, Sultanpura, Faizbagh, Ravi Road, Shahdara, Township, Green Town, Johar Town, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Kot Lakhput, Jallo Mor, Gulberg, Garden Town and Allama Iqbal Town, whereas Sheesha cafes mostly located are in posh areas.
The report said Punjab was badly affected by drug abuse which was rising as compared to other provinces.
The report mentioned that Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Attack, Sargodha, Narowal, Khanewal, Okara and Rahim Yar Khan are the worst effected by drug abuse.
