The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that sheesha cafes should not operate in Islamabad until proper regulations are introduced. Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar issued the direction during a hearing concerning illegal sheesha cafes in the federal capital.
During the proceedings, the court summoned Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. Both officials were directed to appear at 2 pm and submit affidavits. They must assure the court that illegal sheesha cafes will not operate in the city.
The chief justice questioned how these establishments continued operating without an effective regulatory framework. He also asked whether the government had introduced rules to control their activities.
A government lawyer informed the court that draft regulations had been prepared and sent to the government. The lawyer said approval was expected soon.
However, the petitioner’s counsel requested the closure of all sheesha cafes until the proposed regulations received formal approval.
IHC Raises Concerns Over Illegal Sheesha Cafes
Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar observed that an earlier court order had been misinterpreted. He said the ruling had created the impression that the court had permitted sheesha cafes to operate.
The chief justice expressed concern over the impact of this interpretation on the court’s reputation. He also highlighted concerns about children being introduced to sheesha smoking.
The court noted that officials sometimes face resistance when attempting to enter these establishments. Some operators reportedly prevent officials from accessing their premises by claiming private property rights.
The chief justice stated that relevant departments should develop their own standard operating procedures if the government failed to frame regulations.
During the hearing, the prosecutor general read out a Supreme Court suo motu order concerning sheesha cafes. He stated that the Supreme Court had imposed a ban on these establishments.
Advocate Qaiser Imam told the court that orders concerning sheesha cafes had been issued over the past six years. He also sought clarification about the alleged misrepresentation of the court’s decision.
The IHC said it would review the matter after receiving affidavits from the two summoned officials.
Islamabad Police Reports Action Against Illegal Sheesha Cafes
Separately, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police submitted a report rejecting allegations of negligence. The report stated that police were enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against sheesha-related activities and drug offences.
According to the report, police registered 28 cases at 10 police stations between January 1 and July 15, 2026. Another 61 cases were registered between July 16 and September 7, 2026.
Police also reported legal action against 163 accused individuals under 13 police station jurisdictions following court orders.
The department said special teams had been formed to monitor establishments and identify illegal activities. Commercial CCTV cameras are also being connected to the Safe City surveillance system.
Police further stated that undercover operations were being conducted to identify establishments violating applicable laws. These measures aim to strengthen enforcement and improve monitoring across Islamabad.
Court Awaits Responses From Senior Officials
The IHC will review the matter after receiving affidavits from the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. The court expects assurances that illegal sheesha cafes will not continue operating in the capital.
The case highlights the need for clear regulations governing these establishments. The government has prepared draft rules and submitted them for approval.
In other related news also read IHC Grants Sleeper Coach Operators Temporary Relief
Further proceedings will depend on the officials’ responses and progress towards finalising the regulatory framework. The court has emphasised that illegal operations should not continue while the matter remains under consideration.
