The Islamabad district administration has ordered all sheesha cafes in the capital to stop their operations until further orders. The directive applies to both indoor and outdoor services.
The latest crackdown also affects cafes that hold valid No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Authorities have moved beyond targeting only establishments operating without required approvals.
According to the latest directive issued by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, all Assistant Commissioners have been assigned responsibility for enforcing the order in their respective areas.
Officials have been instructed to conduct daily inspections across the capital. They will take action against establishments found operating in violation of the directive.
The administration has warned sheesha cafe owners against continuing their operations. Violators could face the sealing of their establishments.
Owners and operators may also face criminal cases if they are found violating the ban. The authorities have directed field officers to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The latest decision marks a wider crackdown on sheesha cafes in Islamabad. Previously, enforcement efforts had focused mainly on establishments allegedly operating without the required permissions.
On August 28, the district administration sealed three illegal indoor sheesha cafes in Civic Centre. Field officers were also directed to expand action against unauthorized establishments across the capital.
The new directive takes the crackdown further by temporarily stopping sheesha services across Islamabad. This means businesses holding NOCs are also affected by the latest order.
The decision is likely to affect cafes that have offered sheesha services as part of their business model. Residents who regularly visited such establishments will now have fewer options until the administration changes or withdraws the directive.
The crackdown also comes amid increased judicial attention toward sheesha cafes operating in Islamabad. The Islamabad High Court had earlier sought details about sheesha cafes functioning in the capital.
The court also questioned authorities about the regulatory framework governing such establishments. Proceedings included discussions about cafes allegedly operating without the necessary NOCs.
The latest administrative order comes against this broader backdrop of regulatory and legal scrutiny. Authorities appear to be taking a stricter approach toward sheesha-related businesses across the city.
The administration has not indicated how long the temporary ban will remain in place. The directive states that the restrictions will continue until further orders.
Cafe owners will therefore need to wait for further instructions before resuming sheesha services. Businesses that ignore the order could face enforcement action from district authorities.
The situation is also important for customers and businesses because the latest directive applies more broadly than previous actions. It does not limit the shutdown only to cafes allegedly operating without approvals.
The administration’s daily inspection plan means enforcement is expected to continue across different areas of Islamabad. Cafe operators have been warned to comply with the order to avoid possible legal and administrative consequences.
Further developments will depend on future directions from the district administration and ongoing judicial proceedings. Until any new order is issued, sheesha cafes in Islamabad are expected to remain shut under the current directive.
Also read: Islamabad Route
