LAHORE Despite the reports of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on the worst affects of the Sheesha smoking on youth, the government has failed to take any concrete steps to eliminate this menace in order to save young generation from falling into the ditch of absolute drug-addiction. According to a survey conducted by ANF in collaboration with the teams of senior doctors of Jinnah Hospital Lahore, at least 20 per cent youth are being converted to other harmful drugs including cocaine, heroine, hashish and marijuana. As per details, these special teams completed their survey while visiting 120 sheesa centers across the province a few months back. The findings suggested imposing complete ban on sheesha smoking besides urging the authorities concerned to legislate on this issue but none of the Federal government representatives bother to raise the issue on the floor of the Parliament. Jinnah Hospital Chief Executive and Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof Dr. Javed Akram, terming sheesha a harmful drug, said the Parliamentarians should frame effective laws immediately before the young generation is completely spoiled. He said the substances of various drugs including cocaine, hashish and marijuana are being used in sheesha causing harmful effects. Quoting World Health Organisation, Dr. Javed Akram said on international level sheesha has also been categorised as a drug, which could cause diseases like cancer. He further said sheesha must be subjected to the same regulations as cigarettes and other tobacco products having the same health warnings as cigarette packets have. Anti-Narcotics Force Director Dr Col Iftikhar said they have conducted a large number of surveys on sheesha and have suggested the authorities to impose ban this modern way of addiction. 'Verbally I have raised the issue on a large number of occasions while I have also moved findings of our surveys towards the Standing Committee on Health, he added. Col. Iftikhar further told using proper channel the ANF has urged Federal Health Ministry to take the issue seriously. According to the data collected by an NGO in collaboration with a team of paramedical staff shows that out of total 275,500 people who smoke sheesha more than 80,000 are in Punjab, near 39,500 in Islamabad, 38,000 in Khyber PK, 45,000 in Sindh, nearly 35,000 in Balochistan, more than 20,000 in Azad Kashmir and nearly 18,000 people in Gilgit-Baltistan reportedly smoke Sheesha everyday. At least four main stores located at Bhaati Chowk (near Ravi Bridge) and in Thokar Niaz Baig areas are selling Sheesha. Most of the youths including girls and boys under 18 visit Sheesha Houses, cafes, restaurants, hotels and clubs located in DHA, Model Town, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town, The Mall, Arabian Lounge at Jail Road, Board of Revenue Society, MM Alam Road Gulberg, Tech Society and in other areas of the City to use Sheesha on daily basis especially in the evening. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and Parliamentary Secretary on Health Dr. Saeed Elahi were unavailable to respond on the aforesaid issue when contacted.