ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad district administration has imposed a complete ban on the operation of sheesha cafés across the federal capital until further orders, with the restriction applying even to establishments that hold valid no-objection certificates.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon directed all assistant commissioners to enforce the order in their respective areas. The ban covers both indoor and outdoor sheesha operations, and cafés previously permitted to serve sheesha under NOCs will also be required to stop immediately.
The move followed proceedings in the Islamabad High Court, which directed the authorities to formulate formal rules governing sheesha cafés within one month. Until those regulations are finalised, the administration has suspended the earlier interim permission system under which some cafés had been allowed to operate subject to specific conditions.
Assistant commissioners have been instructed to carry out daily inspections and take action against violators. The administration said any café found continuing to offer sheesha could be sealed, while criminal proceedings may also be initiated against its owner or operator.
The issue had previously reached the Islamabad High Court after a petition alleged that a growing number of sheesha cafés were operating in the capital, some without NOCs. The court had sought explanations from the chief commissioner, deputy commissioner and Islamabad police regarding the regulatory framework and enforcement against establishments operating in violation of the rules.