IHC seeks details of Islamabad sheesha cafés

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought details of the number of sheesha cafés operating in the federal capital and the action taken against those functioning without the required no-objection certificate (NOC).

Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued notices to the Chief Commissioner Islamabad, the Deputy Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, directing them to submit their replies.

The court also ordered the Deputy Commissioner and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police to appear in person at the next hearing.

During the hearing of a petition filed by citizen Abdul Jabbar, the Chief Justice asked the petitioner's counsel why he was seeking details of sheesha cafés.

Advocate Sohail Khurshid, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that numerous sheesha cafés had been established across Islamabad, where parties continued throughout the night until the early hours of the morning. He contended that several of these cafés were operating without the required NOC.

The counsel further argued that the Federal Health Minister had stated that late-night parties were contributing to the spread of HIV and AIDS. He requested the court to direct the respondents to provide complete details of all sheesha cafés operating in Islamabad, as well as information on the action taken against those found to be violating the applicable rules and regulations.