IHC orders blanket closure of shisha cafés

Court directs withdrawal of existing NOCs until new rules are framed

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the closure of all shisha cafés in the federal capital, directing the authorities to withdraw the no-objection certificates (NOCs) previously issued to them. The court ruled that all such establishments must remain closed until new rules are framed.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions while hearing a petition seeking action against illegally operated shisha centres in Islamabad. The court's detailed written order will be issued later.

During the hearing a day earlier, the chief justice had summoned the Islamabad chief commissioner and deputy commissioner to explain how illegal shisha cafés were operating in the capital. The court had also directed them to submit affidavits assuring that no illegal shisha café would be allowed to operate.

The chief justice observed that no shisha café should operate in Islamabad until the relevant rules and regulations were framed. He questioned whether the authorities would permit illegal activities simply because the rules had not yet been introduced.

The court had previously directed that establishments operating in accordance with the law could continue their business, but the direction had been misinterpreted, the chief justice observed.

CJ Dogar also asked whether the government had framed rules to regulate shisha cafés. In response, the government's counsel informed the court that the proposed rules had been prepared and forwarded to the government for approval, which was expected shortly.

Four cafes sealed in E-11

On the other hand, the Islamabad district administration launched action against sheesha cafes following the IHC order to close such establishments across the federal capital.

As a first step, the Shalimar Assistant Commissioner sealed four sheesha cafes in E-11, while Islamabad Deputy Commissioner directed all assistant commissioners to take immediate action in their respective areas.

The district administration has decided to launch a crackdown to ensure the implementation of the court's directions. All assistant commissioners have been instructed to take action against sheesha cafes without delay and ensure that the court order is implemented without discrimination.

According to the district administration, the no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued to cafe owners have been cancelled in compliance with the court's order.

The administration has directed assistant commissioners to take action against all types of cafes operating both indoors and outdoors. The instructions apply to establishments covered by the court's directions, and officials have been asked to ensure compliance in their respective jurisdictions.

The district administration stated that the court's orders would be implemented in full and without any discrimination.