PESHAWAR: The district administration has banned the use of sheesha in the hotels, restaurants and smoking near the educational institutions and hospitals. It has also decided to launch a campaign to create awareness among the people in this regard.

The decision was taken at a meeting held with Assistant Coordination Officer, Peshawar Syed Zafar Ali Shah in the chair on Tuesday. The meeting was also attended by SSP (traffic), EDO health, ADO education, transporters’ representatives, human resource development officer, traders and civil society members.

Participants said the use of cigarettes and sheesha was fast growing which was causing fatal diseases to the people, particularly to the youth. They suggested that the ban on smoking should be imposed at least 50 meters away from the hospitals, schools and colleges.

The managements of the institutions would be directed to exhort the students in the morning assemblies to strictly avoid use of narcotics, smoking and save themselves from the fatal diseases. During the campaign, the participants said posters and banners inscribed with attractive slogans should be displayed for public awareness. Similarly, the posters should also be displayed in police stations, bus stands, prisons and other prominent spots.

All the secretaries of union councils were also directed to launch the campaign in their respective areas. A walk will also be arranged shortly to be led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour.