Sheesha gains acceptance with ‘lesser-of-two-evils’ tag

ISLAMABAD: From cafes to homes, the trend of youngsters smoking sheesha is on the rise. Sheesha, also known as flavoured hookah, is a water-pipe through which tobacco is smoked after it passes through water for filtering.

However, a majority of consumers are unaware of its hazardous effects on their health, while others indulge in the activity on the premise that “sheesha is better than a cigarette”.

According to the World Health Organization, sheesha is a 100 times worse than cigarettes for the reason that it exposes the consumer to a longer time period of smoking as compared to cigarettes.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Khurram Hashmi, National Coordinator Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan, said it is a fact that the trend of sheesha is increasing in the country which is clearly depicted through the number of sheesha bars opening at various points as well as food outlets offering the facility.

“Unfortunately in Pakistan no laws exist for its prohibition, so it is impossible to stop its consumption,” he added.

Moreover, there is no awareness on a broad level which could educate people about its hazardous effects.

Ayesha Haroon, whose two children regularly smoke sheesha said, “I do not stop my children from having it because if I stop them they will start smoking which is more dangerous for health.”

A 21-year-old, Arsalan Zafar, who has recently opened a sheesha bar in one of the posh markets of the capital said, “I opened the bar after considering its growing popularity among the youth. It is one of the most profitable businesses one can do these days,” he said.

He got inspiration from his friends, who had opened sheesha bars at various busy commercial areas in Rawalpindi which include Scheme III, China Market and Faizabad and were earning lot of money.

“I am not aware of its hazardous affect on health. I’ve been having it for the past four years and am still medically fit,” said Shah.

Nasir Zohaib, a student who opened a sheeha bar near a marriage hall on Sixth Road Rawalpindi shared the same views.

“Majority of my customers are university and college students, who sometimes bunk their classes to come here and have sheesha,” he added.

They all said that they had not received any sort of warning from the police or from the Ministry of Health.

Apart from consumption at various public places, people how now started smoking it at home as well.

“Previously I would go to sheesha bars with my friends, but now we have started preparing it at home,” said Irfan Ahmed, a 20-year-old student. He said that it was more convenient and cheaper.

“Preparing it at home with all its ingredients according to your specifications, including coal and flavours, adds a whole a new dimension to it. Once you pick on the habit it becomes a part of your routine,” he added.

Shiza Alvi*, 22, a resident of sector F-10, has allocated a small corner of her home for sheesha. “I have a group of friends who come at my place over the weekend and enjoy sheesha. My grandfather and my parents are also very fond of it, so it is convenient,” she said.

Moreover, owners of a shop, located in G-7, said on average sheeshas or related items like flavours and coals are purchased from his shop thrice a week.

“Majority of them are males but females also visit my shop,” he added.

*Name of the person has been changed upon request

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th,  2011.