SHISHA emerged as a style icon in the elite circles in the beginning but within a few years its fan club covered people from nearly all groups of society. The most enthusiastic of these were, of course, young people.

Recent attempts by 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: when consumption of cigarettes and other drugs remains unchecked, what’s this hype over Shisha? 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 to be a quite harmless choice.

For many it is a hobby, a favourite past time with buddies, a means of being uptodate with the latest trends or simple leisure puffing just because others are doing it. In addition, its usage isn’t confined to Shisha bars only but is also stretching roots in educational premises as well.

It isn’t rare to find students using their own water pipes in university corners and hostels. Also a fact worth mentioning here is that under the cover of Shisha tradition many other drugs are being paved in too. Many bars have been reported to serve Shisha mixed with illegal drugs like heroine and hashish.

Also, at many Shisha spots it is available with wine in the filtering base instead of water. With the news circulating that the Punjab government is considering banning Shisha smoking, many willing investors feel discouraged to step in the previously blooming Shisha business.

Although a 100 per cent ban on anything cannot be deemed possible, even a few effective measures here by the government can lead to a relatively large potential drop in the Shisha market.

Now it is up to policymakers to intelligently tackle this. Instead of declaring a complete ban, minor initiatives like strict action against serving it to those below 13, heavy taxations, official checks and certain restrictions on Shisha bars will act as smarter tools for this cause.

Whatever the case may be, formulating a serious strategy and then properly enforcing it for offsetting the gripping Shisha culture is the need of the hour. HABIBA YOUNIS Rawalpindi