Sheesha emerged as a style icon in the elite circles in the beginning but within a short span, Sheeshas fan club covered people from nearly all groups of society. The most enthusiastic of these were, of course, young people. The recent attempts of the Punjab Government to put a check on this fast growing culture has led to many debates and question marks the most important of which is when the consumption of cigarettes and other drugs remains unchecked then the ban on Sheesha?
The answer is simple: social acceptance. Where people may refrain from trying cigarettes and other drugs due to the conspicuous black label, the seemingly innocent fruity hubble bubble appears quite a harmless choice. For many it is a hobby, a favourite pastime with buddies, a means of being up-to-date with the latest trends or simple leisure puffing just because others are doing it. In addition, its usage isnt confined to Sheesha bars only. It is also stretching its roots 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 Sheesha tradition, many other drugs were being paved in too. Many bars have been reported to serve Sheesha mixed with illegal drugs like heroine, hashish, etc. Also at many Sheesha 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 Sheesha, many willing investors feel discouraged to step in the previously blooming Sheesha business. Of course a 100 percent ban on anything cannot be deemed possible but even a few effective measures here by the government can lead to a relatively large potential drop in the Sheesha market.
Now it is up to the policy devisors how intelligently they tackle this issue. 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 Sheesha bars etc will act as smarter tools for this cause.
Whatever the case maybe, formulating a serious strategy and then properly enforcing it for offsetting the gripping Sheesha culture is an imperative need of the hour.
HABIBA YOUNIS
Rawalpindi
