Sheesha ban gave rise to bribery in Sindh, observes SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that bribery and corruption was on the rise in Sindh in the name of implementing a ban on Sheesha.

A three-member bench of the apex court on Tuesday resumed hearing of the case regarding Sheesha ban. During the hearing, Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali remarked that the ban had caused to give rise to bribery and dishonesty in Sindh and directed officials to ensure effective implementation of the ban in all provinces.

When asked, the health secretary said that preventing the use of Sheesha was top priority of the cabinet. He added that a summary seeking a ban on the import of Sheesha items is pending PM's approval.

Meanwhile, the court expressed displeasure over the absence of the commerce secretary.

Justice Ameer Hani Muslim questioned that under which law he had gone out of the country and why did he not take permission from the court.

The apex court while ordering to serve show cause to the commerce secretary directed for the implementation of its orders on provincial level regarding Sheesha smoking.

It also directed for the submission of a report of progress made in this regard in the next hearing.