Crackdown on sheesha cafes intensified amid drug allegations

What was once considered a social trend, particularly among urban youth, is now being reevaluated under the lens of public health and criminal law.

Sheesha cafes across Pakistan have come under increasing scrutiny as authorities link their operations to drug use and illegal activities. In response, both federal and provincial governments have initiated a series of legal actions aimed at curbing the influence and spread of these establishments. What was once considered a social trend, particularly among urban youth, is now being reevaluated under the lens of public health and criminal law.

Earlier, the federal government took a decisive step in January 2023 by imposing a nationwide ban on sheesha smoking in public spaces such as restaurants and hotels. This ban extended to the import and production of ingredients used in sheesha, signaling a serious attempt to curb its accessibility. The judiciary has reinforced these measures with several rulings.

However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered a countrywide crackdown on sheesha cafes due to increasing reports of drug peddling linked to such venues. Similarly, the Islamabad High Court ordered the immediate closure of all sheesha cafes within the federal capital, directing local authorities to ensure swift compliance.

Nonetheless, in Punjab, the response has been particularly aggressive. The provincial police launched a campaign against both sheesha smoking and the use of modern synthetic drugs, registering 583 cases and making 1,183 arrests over the past year. Lahore alone accounted for 330 of those cases and over 600 arrests, reflecting a determined effort to cleanse the city of illegal drug-related activities disguised under the sheesha culture.

Sindh, however, has taken a different route. Previously, in April 2024, the provincial government instructed Karachi police to halt direct crackdowns on sheesha cafes due to the absence of specific legislation prohibiting such businesses. Instead, law enforcement agencies were told to closely monitor these establishments and take action only in cases where drug use or illegal activities could be proven. The responsibility was placed on cafe owners to maintain a drug-free environment or face legal consequences.

Despite these varied approaches, enforcement continues across the country. As earlier in December 2024, police in Islamabad arrested 39 individuals in raids targeting illegal sheesha cafes and confiscated large quantities of hookahs and other related materials. Public health experts have expressed growing concern over the role of sheesha in attracting young users, warning that its glamorization can often serve as a gateway to more harmful narcotics.

The nationwide crackdown reflects the complexities of balancing cultural habits, public health priorities, and legal enforcement. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether stricter regulations or more targeted educational campaigns will provide a more sustainable solution to the challenges posed by sheesha cafes in Pakistan.