Web Desk: Islamabad authorities have imposed an immediate and comprehensive ban on the operation of sheesha cafes across the federal capital, following directions from the Islamabad High Court.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the restriction would remain in place until further orders. The ban applies to all sheesha cafes, including establishments holding no-objection certificates (NOCs), as well as those operating indoors or in outdoor areas.
Memon warned that authorities would seal any cafe found violating the directive and register criminal cases against its owners. Assistant commissioners have also been instructed to conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance.
The administration’s move followed an Islamabad High Court hearing in which Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar ruled that sheesha cafes could not continue operating in their current form without a clear regulatory framework.
The court gave the district administration one month to prepare comprehensive rules governing the operation of such establishments.
The hearing involved petitions concerning several sheesha cafes and action taken against businesses allegedly operating beyond the terms of NOCs issued under an interim arrangement.
Memon and Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi appeared before the court in their personal capacities. Islamabad Advocate General Naveed Hayat Malik and acting Prosecutor General Manzoor Ahmed Jajja also attended the proceedings.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Dogar acknowledged that cafe owners had legitimate business interests but said commercial activity could not come at the expense of public health.
The chief justice also questioned the manner in which sheesha was being served and raised concerns over the potential mixing of tobacco with other substances. He warned that the widespread availability of such establishments could have serious consequences for young people.
Police officials told the court that authorities had already taken action against several sheesha cafes and registered cases against some operators.
Rizvi said police teams had encountered resistance from cafe owners during raids. He also told the court that teenagers aged 14 and 15 had been found at some establishments.
Meanwhile, authorities said an awareness campaign had been launched to educate the public about the health risks associated with sheesha and the rules governing its use.
The Islamabad police chief confirmed that cafe operators had, on several occasions, closed their premises when police teams arrived to conduct inspections.
The acting prosecutor general told the court that people aged 18 or younger had also been involved in selling sheesha at some establishments.
Jajja called for a formal regulatory framework involving the federal government and Ministry of Health, arguing that the issue required a coordinated response.
He described the matter as a major public health concern that warranted comprehensive regulation.
In its written response, the district administration told the court that NOCs for sheesha cafes were being issued under a temporary arrangement while the federal government considers permanent legislation.
The administration said the NOCs had been issued without charging a fee and that separate standard operating procedures were not considered necessary because the approval criteria were based on earlier court directions and World Health Organization guidelines.
Under the current arrangement, sheesha could only be served in an open and uncovered area. Cafe operators were also required to obtain a separate written terrace permit from the relevant assistant commissioner before offering sheesha outdoors.
The administration said assistant commissioners could inspect establishments, impose additional requirements and take legal action when complaints were received.
The district administration said its campaign against sheesha cafes had been underway since 2021, with unsafe storage of coal and related equipment identified as a potential fire risk.
Authorities said restaurants had been required to maintain fire-prevention measures, while inspection teams were instructed to verify the availability and validity of fire extinguishers.
The administration also maintained that sheesha and other tobacco products should only be provided to adults and that businesses must comply with environmental standards.
It further stressed the importance of enforcing national laws and international standards aimed at protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke.
The High Court said the existing court-approved arrangement would continue temporarily while the federal government develops a permanent regulatory framework.
Chief Justice Dogar directed the district administration to prepare the necessary rules within one month and subsequently adjourned the hearing.
With the latest directive, Islamabad authorities have shifted from regulating sheesha cafes under temporary NOCs to enforcing a blanket suspension of their operations pending further legal and regulatory developments.
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