ISLAMABAD (MNN); Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon has announced an immediate and complete ban on the operation of sheesha cafes across the federal capital, following directions issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In a statement posted on X, the deputy commissioner said the ban had been imposed in compliance with the IHC’s order and would remain in effect until further instructions.
The restriction applies to all types of sheesha cafes, including establishments holding no-objection certificates (NOCs), as well as indoor and outdoor venues.
The DC warned that any cafe found violating the order would be sealed and a criminal case would be registered against its owner. Assistant commissioners have also been directed to conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance.
IHC Orders Regulatory Framework for Sheesha Cafes
Earlier in the day, the IHC observed that sheesha cafes could not continue operating without a proper legal and regulatory framework. The court directed the district administration to prepare comprehensive rules and regulations within one month.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions while hearing petitions concerning several sheesha cafes and administrative action against establishments allegedly operating in violation of NOCs issued under an interim arrangement.
DC 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.
The chief justice acknowledged the business interests of cafe owners but said commercial considerations could not be allowed to adversely affect the entire city.
Referring to the health consequences of sheesha smoking, Justice Dogar warned that anyone’s family member could potentially become a victim of its harmful effects.
He also questioned the manner in which sheesha was being served and observed that mixing hashish with tobacco would amount to smoking. The chief justice expressed concern that such activities were taking place openly and could have damaging effects on young people.
Police Report Action Against Cafes
The Islamabad IG informed the court that police had taken strict action against sheesha cafes in accordance with previous court directions, with cases registered against some establishments.
He said police teams had encountered resistance from cafe owners during raids and claimed that teenagers aged 14 and 15 had also been found at certain cafes.
The police chief added that an awareness campaign had been launched to educate the public about the harmful effects of sheesha and the need for proper regulation.
Chief Justice Dogar observed that sheesha cafes could not continue operating under the existing arrangement without proper rules.
“There are no rules and regulations,” the chief justice observed, noting that the current system was adversely affecting the lives and health of Islamabad residents.
Acting Prosecutor General Jajja informed the court that individuals aged 18 or below were also involved in selling sheesha. He proposed that the Ministry of Health and federal government be directed to formulate comprehensive regulations.
He described the matter as more serious than the issue of smog and called for a comprehensive regulatory response.
Administration Explains Existing NOC System
The chief commissioner and district administration submitted their written response to the court, explaining that NOCs for sheesha cafes were currently being issued under an interim arrangement pending approval of permanent legislation by the federal government.
According to the administration, no fee was being charged for the issuance of these NOCs.
The district administration said separate standard operating procedures were not considered necessary because the NOC criteria were based on IHC directives and World Health Organisation guidelines.
Under the existing arrangement, sheesha could only be served in an open and unroofed area. A separate written terrace permit from the relevant assistant commissioner was required for serving sheesha at an open-air venue.
The administration said the concerned assistant commissioner could inspect an establishment, impose additional conditions and initiate legal action if complaints were received from members of the public.
Fire Safety and Health Concerns Highlighted
The administration said a crackdown against sheesha cafes had been initiated in Islamabad in 2021. It also highlighted the fire risks associated with the unsafe storage of coal and other equipment used in sheesha preparation.
Restaurants have been required to comply with fire prevention and safety measures, while inspection teams have been directed to verify the validity and safety of fire extinguishers.
The administration maintained that sheesha and other tobacco products could only be served to adults and that environmental standards had to be observed.
It also emphasised the importance of implementing legal and international standards aimed at protecting citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.
One-Month Deadline for New Rules
The IHC directed that the existing court-approved interim arrangement would remain applicable until the federal government introduces regular legislation and regulations.
The district administration has been given one month to formulate the required rules.
Following the directives, the Islamabad administration announced the immediate suspension of all sheesha cafe operations in the capital until further orders.