Islamabad orders closure of sheesha cafes as court pushes for stricter enforcement

Authorities in Pakistan’s capital are preparing to shut down sheesha cafes operating in indoor and outdoor spaces following directions linked to an Islamabad High Court case.

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital are preparing to shut down sheesha cafes operating in indoor and outdoor spaces following directions linked to an Islamabad High Court case. The proposed enforcement drive will apply even to establishments that previously received official permission to operate.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced that the restrictions would take effect on October 14. According to the administration existing no-objection certificates issued to sheesha cafes will no longer remain valid under the new measures.

Businesses found continuing their operations could face immediate closure and criminal proceedings against their owners. Assistant commissioners have also been instructed to carry out regular inspections throughout Islamabad to ensure compliance.

Court raises concerns about young visitors

The administrative decision follows proceedings before the Islamabad High Court where Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar expressed concern about the regulation of sheesha establishments and their potential impact on young people.

According to reports presented during the case, police raids had uncovered the presence of minors, including children aged 14 inside some cafes. The issue has prompted renewed attention to how these businesses are monitored and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent underage access.

The court proceedings have placed the operation of sheesha venues under greater scrutiny with authorities facing pressure to ensure that applicable restrictions are properly enforced.

Previous closures followed by wider action

Islamabad’s administration had already taken action against several establishments before announcing the broader crackdown. Eleven cafes in E-11, I-8 and the Civic Center area were reportedly sealed during earlier enforcement operations.

The latest directive expands the scope of the action by covering both indoor and outdoor venues rather than limiting inspections to particular neighbourhoods or businesses without documentation.

Officials are expected to continue checking commercial premises and take action against operators who disregard the restrictions.

Next court hearing scheduled

The dispute remains before the Islamabad High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for October 13, according to the supplied report.

The outcome of the proceedings may provide further clarity on the legal basis and implementation of the restrictions. For cafe operators the immediate concern is whether their businesses can continue operating under the administration’s latest instructions.

The enforcement campaign marks a significant development in Islamabad’s regulation of sheesha cafes particularly regarding licensing public oversight and the protection of minors.