Islamabad: The Supreme Court has ordered for immediate closure of Sheesha centers across the country.
The apex court also directed IG Police Punjab and Sindh to initiate action against Sheesha centers and submit compliance report on next hearing.
While taking up a petition filed by a citizen today, Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, while heading a three-member SC bench, remarked that “drugs are being used in Sheesha centers, but respective institutions don’t budge. Have the government institutions thought that they have to do no job and they have no responsibility to save the youth from the menace of addiction. No action is being taken at any level. It seems as if the departments don’t want to bring any improvement in the society. A bill on prevention of Sheesha centers is pending for legislation since 2014. Other legislations are enacted immediately, but the legislation of public was being delayed. Government should legislate in this regard.”
No one appeared on behalf of the Balochistan government. The federal government told the court that forceful action was being taken against those involved in drug peddling and drug trafficking in federally administered areas. Several Sheesha centers have been shut down. Heavy fines and punishment have been awarded, the court was told.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government told the court that the provincial government has taken stringent measures to ensure that no Sheesha centers operate in its jurisdiction. Strict vigilance is being carried out against those involved in such business in major cities, the court was told.
The Punjab government told the court that a bill has been worked out for prevention of Sheesha centers. Final approval and other process have not been completed so far. The court remarked that this bill should be approved as soon as possible.
The Sindh government gave no meaningful reply. The court expressed displeasure over it and ordered IG Punjab and IG Sindh to take immediate action against Sheesha centers and file compliance report on the next hearing. The hearing was adjourned indefinitely.