IHC orders rules for Shisha cafes

IHC orders rules for Shisha cafes

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the district administration to formulate comprehensive rules and regulations for shisha cafes operating in the capital within one month.

Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions while hearing a petition seeking details about shisha cafes in Islamabad. The Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner and other relevant officials appeared before the court during the proceedings.

The chief justice stressed the need for effective regulation of shisha cafes, warning that the authorities could not allow such establishments to operate without a proper legal framework.

“You have our respect for your business, but do not destroy the entire city,” the chief justice remarked. He questioned whether smoking should still be considered ordinary smoking if substances such as cannabis were mixed with tobacco.

He also expressed concern about young people becoming exposed to harmful substances through shisha cafes. “It should not happen that tomorrow your own brother or someone from your family becomes a victim of this,” he observed.

Justice Dogar said authorities must introduce clear rules before allowing shisha cafes to operate in a regulated manner. He noted that the absence of proper regulations had created a situation where people could sit in open spaces and engage in activities that could harm public health, particularly among the younger generation.

During the hearing, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi told the court that police had launched strict action against shisha cafes following previous court directions. He said officials faced resistance from some cafe owners during enforcement operations.

The IGP further informed the court that police teams had found boys and girls as young as 14 and 15 years old at some establishments. Authorities registered cases against several individuals and also launched an awareness campaign to discourage the use of shisha and other harmful substances.

Acting Prosecutor General Manzoor Ahmed Jajja urged the court to direct the Ministry of Health and the federal government to establish formal rules for shisha cafes. He said the issue went beyond conventional smoking, as authorities had concerns about the use of other substances at such establishments. He assured the court that a detailed report would also be submitted.

The Chief Commissioner and district administration submitted a written response explaining the current regulatory arrangements. According to the response, the administration is issuing temporary no-objection certificates (NOCs) to shisha cafes until the government approves a formal legal framework. The administration said it had issued the NOCs without charging any fees.

The district administration also highlighted fire safety concerns, particularly the unsafe storage of charcoal and other equipment used in shisha preparation. It said restaurants must comply with fire safety requirements and take all necessary measures to prevent accidents and fires.

Under the existing temporary arrangements, shisha and other tobacco products may only be served to adults. The administration has also imposed conditions relating to environmental standards and public safety.

The administration maintained that the court’s interim arrangement would remain in force until the federal government introduces and approves formal rules governing shisha cafes.

After hearing the arguments and reviewing the responses submitted by the authorities, the Islamabad High Court directed the relevant authorities to formulate the required rules within one month. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing for one month.