Islamabad Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Sheesha Cafes in Bahria Town, 64 Arrested
In a surprise late-night operation on Monday, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and police shut down nine illegal sheesha cafes operating in the Civic Center area of Bahria Town. The joint crackdown led to the arrest of 60 men and 4 women, all allegedly linked to unauthorized indoor hookah services.
According to an ICT administration spokesperson, the enforcement teams confiscated 110 hookah devices along with large quantities of flavored tobacco products. FIRs have been registered against all those arrested, and investigations are currently underway.
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The raids, which began shortly after midnight, targeted cafes suspected of violating public health regulations and operating without valid permits. Officials confirmed that the establishments were offering sheesha discreetly, flouting indoor smoking bans and safety standards.
The crackdown comes amid rising concerns over public health risks associated with indoor sheesha smoking. Authorities emphasized that such operations pose serious hazards and represent a blatant disregard for legal regulations.
“We will continue targeting non-compliant businesses,” an ICT official stated, adding that further inspections are scheduled across the district in the coming days. Residents are encouraged to report illegal sheesha services through dedicated hotlines.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that sheesha smoking is not a safer alternative to cigarettes. In fact, users can be exposed to higher levels of toxic chemicals, leading to severe long-term health consequences.
This action is part of a broader push by Islamabad authorities to enforce anti-smoking laws, promote public safety, and hold violators accountable.
