Residents of Islamabad have voiced concern over the operation of indoor shisha cafés, describing it as a violation of the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner's order banning such establishments and demanding immediate closure.
Local residents said that ongoing shisha gatherings at a café under the jurisdiction of Shalimar Police Station were placing the health of the younger generation in serious jeopardy. They expressed deep concern over the growing trend of shisha use, warning that it was undermining the community's social fabric and health standards.
Health expert Dr Roy Ateequr Rahman has cautioned that shisha smoking can be even more harmful than cigarettes, with research indicating that a single session delivers 2.5 times more nicotine, 10 times more carbon monoxide, and 25 times more tar than a cigarette.
He added that prolonged use is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, oral cancers, and respiratory illnesses, while shared mouthpieces can spread infectious diseases.
Rana Imran Latif, chairman of Piyaas International, said: "We want to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day free from the looming menace threatening our youth. True freedom means liberating our younger generation from this deadly addiction." He urged immediate and strict action to close down such cafés.
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