ISLAMABAD (Big Digit) Piyass Int’l, CIRA move IHC against drug mafia operating through Sheesha cafes in Islamabad

By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, Sunday, 13 April 2025 (Big Digit): Piyass International, a non-profit organization, taking a landmark step against the rampant drug menace infiltrating youth circles in the guise of modern leisure, has joined hands with the Crime and Investigative Reporters Association (CIRA) to initiate legal proceedings in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against an alleged drug mafia operating under the cover of Sheesha cafes throughout the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

This joint initiative marks a rare and bold civil society action in a bid to bring to justice those believed to be engaged in the open violation of Pakistan’s legal and moral codes, particularly targeting the vulnerable youth. The petition accuses the Sheesha cafes of becoming fronts for the distribution of potent narcotics such as ice (crystal meth), marijuana, weed, and cocaine, thereby exacerbating the drug crisis in the federal capital.

The legal motion being submitted in the IHC is anchored on the precedent established in Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Sou Motu Case No. 11/2006, in which a ruling dated October 19, 2016, unequivocally banned the operation of Sheesha cafes and underscored the state’s responsibility to eliminate drug use in public and private venues. Despite this clear directive, a recent survey conducted jointly by Piyass International and CIRA reveals that such cafes are not only still functioning but are also flagrantly defying the Supreme Court orders, highlighting the “shocking apathy” on the part of the ICT Administration.

Speaking exclusively to this scribe, Rana Imran Latif, Chairman of both Piyass International and CIRA, and a seasoned journalist and social reformist, voiced deep concern over the state’s failure to clamp down on narcotics trade hidden behind trendy smoke lounges. “The drug mafia now acts as if it is above the Constitution,” he said. “These cafes have become hubs for dangerous substances such as flavored tobacco has transformed into a market for narcotics destroying our youth and families alike.”

Rana said his teams have repeatedly brought this crisis to the attention of the ICT Administration, only to be met with silence and inaction. “We are now left with no choice but to seek justice through the courts. This is not just a local matter, it’s a national emergency that has international implications.”

Rana said Sheesha cafes have been identified in various UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) reports as potential fronts for illegal drug consumption and distribution. He argued that in countries where governance gaps exist, such entertainment spaces can morph into drug dens, and Islamabad may now be witnessing a similar crisis.

Rana emphasized that Pakistan’s position on the global war against drugs must remain unambiguous. “We are not only failing our people but are also inviting regional and international scrutiny. If the state institutions don’t act now, Pakistan’s standing in the global counter-narcotics efforts could be seriously compromised.”

The anti-drug campaign, spearheaded by Piyass International and CIRA, has received growing support from civil society, legal experts, and public health professionals. Rana confirmed that an actionable framework has been developed in consultation with various organizations and stakeholders to press forward with legal, social, and media measures against this crisis.

“This is not just a legal petition,” Rana said, “it’s a societal movement. We will knock every door, from the courts to Parliament, and even international watchdogs if necessary. We are ready to face any consequence, but we will not allow the future of our nation to be hijacked by drug cartels operating under the mask of Sheesha cafes.”

The IHC is expected to take up the matter in the coming days, and the petitioners are hopeful for an early hearing. Meanwhile, Piyass International and CIRA have announced plans to release a public awareness campaign and documentary series exposing the realities behind the rise of drug-linked Sheesha culture in the federal capital.

This legal battle could set a significant precedent for Pakistan’s domestic war on drugs, if the courts and law enforcement choose to act decisively.