As summer sets in, the sale of potentially hazardous artificially sweetened ice treats, commonly called “ice gola,” has surged across Rawalpindi’s streets, markets, and school vicinities. These brightly colored ice golas, ice-based ice creams, and synthetic drinks are drawing large numbers of children, especially around government and private schools.
Vendors rapidly set up stalls near school gates as classes end, offering ice golas priced between Rs20 and Rs30, ice creams made from flavored ice at Rs30 to Rs50, and colored beverages ranging from Rs30 to Rs70. These items are also sold throughout neighborhoods and markets, making them easily accessible to schoolchildren and local residents seeking relief from the heat.
Despite the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner’s formal ban on such unsafe ice-based products, these stalls continue operating openly. Authorities, including district education officers and local administration, have failed to enforce restrictions effectively.
Health concerns have been raised by Dr Inayat, Deputy Medical Superintendent at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, who warned parents against allowing children to consume these treats. He cautioned that these products often use non-food-grade ice and synthetic chemicals like saccharin instead of sugar, which can cause throat infections, digestive problems, tuberculosis, cancer, and other serious illnesses.
