Key Takeaways
- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the district administration to ban sheesha cafes in Islamabad.
- The ban is in response to petitions concerning the operation of sheesha cafes and their impact on society.
- The district administration has imposed a complete ban on sheesha cafes until further orders.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the district administration to ban sheesha cafes in Islamabad, effective immediately. The directive came after a hearing on Wednesday, where the court sought details on the number of sheesha cafes operating in the federal capital and the actions taken against those violating no-objection certificates (NOCs).
During the hearing, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar emphasized the importance of formulating rules and regulations for sheesha cafes, warning against activities that could harm society. He stated, 'Do not destroy the entire city,' highlighting the potential negative impact of sheesha cafes on residents and the younger generation.
The Inspector General of Police Islamabad informed the court that strict action had been taken against sheesha cafes following court orders. He mentioned that FIRs had been registered against some persons, and authorities faced resistance from cafe owners during raids. Children as young as 14 and 15 years had been found at some sheesha cafes, and the police had launched an awareness campaign regarding the issue.
The Acting Prosecutor General informed the court that some of the persons involved in selling sheesha were also children aged 18 or below. He suggested that directions be issued to the Ministry of Health and the government to formulate proper rules, adding that activities at such establishments went beyond smoking.
In response, the Chief Commissioner and district administration submitted their written response to the court, stating that sheesha cafe NOCs were currently being issued under a temporary arrangement until formal rules were approved by the federal government. They said that in light of the High Court’s directions and World Health Organisation guidelines, sheesha was permitted only in open-air, uncovered areas. A separate written “terrace permit” from the relevant Assistant Commissioner was mandatory for serving sheesha in an open area.
Following the IHC’s directives, the district administration has imposed a complete ban on the operation of sheesha cafes in Islamabad. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), announced the ban, directing all Assistant Commissioners (ACs) to enforce it. He stated that cafes violating the order will be sealed, and a case will be registered against the sheesha café owners.
The ban is part of a broader effort to address concerns raised by the IHC regarding the operation of sheesha cafes and their impact on public health and society. The district administration is working to ensure compliance with the court’s directives and to protect the well-being of residents in Islamabad.
The IHC’s directive and the subsequent ban highlight the ongoing debate around the regulation of sheesha cafes in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas like Islamabad, where concerns about public health and safety are paramount.
Do not destroy the entire city.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court
The cafe violating the order will be sealed, and a case will be registered against the Sheesha café owner.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad
