Islamabad deputy commissioner imposes complete ban on sheesha cafes

The Islamabad administration has imposed a complete ban on sheesha cafes in the federal capital following the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) directives.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced the decision on Wednesday. He said that the ban would remain in place until further orders. The restriction applies to all sheesha cafes, including those holding no-objection certificates (NOCs), as well as indoor and outdoor establishments.

The DC warned that cafes found operating in violation of the order would be sealed and their owners would face criminal cases. Assistant commissioners have also been directed to conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance.

The announcement came after the IHC observed that sheesha cafes could not be allowed to operate without a proper regulatory framework. The court gave the district administration one month to formulate comprehensive rules and regulations for such establishments.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions while hearing petitions concerning several sheesha cafes and action taken against establishments allegedly operating beyond the terms of their NOCs.

The deputy commissioner and Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi appeared before the court during the hearing. 

The chief justice said the court understood the business interests of cafe owners but noted that the interests of the wider public could not be ignored.