The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the complete closure of all shisha cafes operating in the federal capital until new rules are introduced. The decision also directs the Islamabad administration to withdraw the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) previously issued to these establishments.
IHC Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar issued the directive on Wednesday. According to the court’s verdict, all shisha cafes must remain closed until a new regulatory framework is established. The court is expected to issue a detailed written order later.
The ruling applies to establishments operating in Islamabad, including those that previously received permission from the relevant authorities. The decision places responsibility on the district administration to ensure that the closure is implemented across the capital.
Islamabad Administration Ordered to Enforce Ban
Before the court’s latest directive, the Islamabad district administration had already ordered a complete ban on shisha cafes until further notice. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad issued instructions to all assistant commissioners (ACs) to ensure compliance.
The administration clarified that the restriction would apply to cafes operating with valid NOCs as well as those without official permission. Both indoor and outdoor shisha operations were prohibited under the orders.
The latest court ruling reinforces the closure and directs the authorities to withdraw the NOCs issued to these establishments. Shisha cafe operators will therefore be unable to rely on previously granted certificates to continue their businesses while the restriction remains in place.
Strict Action Against Violations
The district administration has warned cafe owners against violating the ban. According to its instructions, legal cases may be registered against owners found operating shisha cafes in breach of the orders. The establishments may also be sealed.
All assistant commissioners have been directed to conduct daily inspections and take action against violators without discrimination. The administration is expected to monitor both indoor and outdoor locations to ensure that the restrictions are followed.
These enforcement measures are intended to prevent businesses from continuing shisha services despite the closure orders. Cafe owners will need to comply with the restrictions until further instructions are issued by the relevant authorities.
Cafes to Remain Closed Until New Rules Are Introduced
The IHC’s decision links the closure of shisha cafes to the introduction of new rules. Until that regulatory framework is established, the affected businesses must remain closed under the court’s directive.
The withdrawal of existing NOCs is another key part of the order. It means that previously issued permissions will not allow establishments to continue operating under the current restrictions.
The detailed written order is expected to provide further clarity on the court’s directions and their implementation. For now, the district administration has been instructed to ensure that all shisha cafes in Islamabad comply with the closure.
Cafe owners and operators will need to wait for further developments regarding the new rules before resuming operations. The authorities have made clear that violations could result in legal proceedings and the sealing of premises.
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