Islamabad’s district administration has ordered an immediate ban on the operation of sheesha cafes across the capital following directions from the Islamabad High Court.
The restriction applies to both indoor and outdoor establishments, including cafes that previously held No Objection Certificates. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said the administration would begin enforcing the order immediately.
Authorities have also announced regular inspections, with assistant commissioners tasked with checking cafes daily. Establishments found violating the ban could be sealed and their owners may face legal action.
The Islamabad High Court said sheesha cafes cannot continue operating in their existing form without a clear regulatory framework. Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar gave the administration one month to develop comprehensive rules.
The court also highlighted concerns around young people being exposed to sheesha, with officials reporting that teenagers had been found at some establishments.
At the same time, the court acknowledged the business interests of cafe owners, stressing the need for a balanced and properly regulated approach rather than allowing the issue to remain unchecked.
The administration told the court that sheesha cafe NOCs had previously been issued under an interim arrangement while regular legislation remained pending. Existing conditions included serving sheesha only in open areas and maintaining safety and environmental standards.
Authorities have also pointed to fire risks linked to the storage of coal and related equipment, with safety inspections introduced as part of earlier enforcement efforts.
The latest court order now gives the government a month to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, potentially replacing the current uncertainty with clearer rules for businesses, public safety and tobacco exposure.
Islamabad’s district administration has ordered an immediate ban on the operation of sheesha cafes across the capital following directions from the Islamabad High Court.
Islamabad’s district administration has ordered an immediate ban on the operation of sheesha cafes across the capital following directions from the Islamabad High Court.
The restriction applies to both indoor and outdoor establishments, including cafes that previously held No Objection Certificates. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said the administration would begin enforcing the order immediately.
Authorities have also announced regular inspections, with assistant commissioners tasked with checking cafes daily. Establishments found violating the ban could be sealed and their owners may face legal action.
The Islamabad High Court said sheesha cafes cannot continue operating in their existing form without a clear regulatory framework. Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar gave the administration one month to develop comprehensive rules.
The court also highlighted concerns around young people being exposed to sheesha, with officials reporting that teenagers had been found at some establishments.
At the same time, the court acknowledged the business interests of cafe owners, stressing the need for a balanced and properly regulated approach rather than allowing the issue to remain unchecked.
The administration told the court that sheesha cafe NOCs had previously been issued under an interim arrangement while regular legislation remained pending. Existing conditions included serving sheesha only in open areas and maintaining safety and environmental standards.
Authorities have also pointed to fire risks linked to the storage of coal and related equipment, with safety inspections introduced as part of earlier enforcement efforts.
The latest court order now gives the government a month to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, potentially replacing the current uncertainty with clearer rules for businesses, public safety and tobacco exposure.
