Shisha has been a rising trend for the past few years. The recent attempts of the Punjab Government to put a check on this fast growing shisha culture has led to many debates and question marks the most important of which is that when the consumption of cigarettes and other drugs remains unchecked, then whats this hype over shisha?
The answer is simple: social acceptance. Where people may refrain from trying cigarettes and other drugs due to social stigma, the seemingly innocent fruity hubble bubble appears quite a harmless choice. Its usage isnt confined to shisha bars only but is also being used in educational premises as well.
It isnt rare to find students using their own water pipes in university corners and hostels. Also a worth mentioning fact here is that under the cover of shisha tradition, many other drugs were being paved in too. Many bars have been reported to serve shisha mixed with illegal drugs like heroine, hashish etc. Also at many shisha spots, it is also available with wine in the filtering base instead of water.
With the hovering news of Punjab Governments consideration for an altogether complete ban on shisha, many willing investors feel discouraged to step in the previously blooming shisha business. Of course a 100 percent ban on anything cannot be deemed possible but even a few effective measures properly implemeneted by the government can lead to a relatively large potential drop in the shisha market.
Now it is upon the policy devisors how intelligently they tackle this. Instead of declaring a complete ban, minor initiatives like strict action against serving it to underage teens, heavy taxations, official checks and certain restrictions on shisha bars etc will be a smarter plan-of-action.
Whatever the case maybe, formulating a serious strategy and then properly enforcing it is needed.
HABIBA YOUNIS
Rawalpindi
