Illegal Sheesha Cafes in Islamabad to Remain Closed Until Further Notice

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar has ruled that sheesha cafes should not be allowed to operate in Islamabad until rules and regulations governing them are framed.

Key points

• Legal action was taken against 163 accused under 13 police stations after court orders.
• Separately, the Islamabad Inspector General of Police filed a response rejecting allegations of negligence over sheesha cafes and drugs, saying a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced.
• The prosecutor general read out the Supreme Court's suo motu order on sheesha cafes, saying the top court had imposed a ban on them.
• Advocate Qaiser Imam remarked court orders on sheesha cafes have been issued for the past six years and sought clarification if the court's ruling had been misrepresented.
• During the hearing, the chief justice asked how illegal sheesha cafes were operating in Islamabad and whether the administration had framed any rules to regulate them.

Hearing a case against illegal sheesha cafes, the court summoned the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad to appear at 2 pm and directed both officers to submit affidavits stating that no illegal sheesha cafe will run in the city.

During the hearing, the chief justice asked how illegal sheesha cafes were operating in Islamabad and whether the administration had framed any rules to regulate them. Private Schools Cannot Collect June, July Fees Together, SHC Rules.

Meanwhile, a administration lawyer stated rules on sheesha cafes have been prepared and sent to the administration, with approval anticipated shortly.

For context, the petitioner's counsel sought closure of all sheesha cafes until the rules are approved.

According to The chief justice, the court's earlier order had been misconstrued to create the impression that he had allowed sheesha cafes to operate, which he remarked brought disrepute to the court.

While office-holders are blocked from entering premises on the pretext of private property, he observed that children are being introduced to sheesha smoking.

He remarked if the administration does not frame rules, the relevant departments should prepare their own standard operating procedures.

Notably, the prosecutor general read out the Supreme Court's suo motu order on sheesha cafes, saying the top court had imposed a ban on them. IHC Problems Notices in Appeal Against Islamabad Stadium Project.

In practice, the court remarked it would review the matter after the affidavits of the two officers are submitted.

According to the police report, 28 cases were registered at 10 police stations from January 1 to July 15, 2026, and another 61 cases were registered from July 16 to September 7, 2026. Legal action was taken against 163 accused under 13 police stations after court orders.

Police remarked special teams have been formed for surveillance, commercial CCTV cameras are being linked with the Safe City system, and operations are being conducted with the assist of undercover clients against sheesha cafes. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

For now, illegal Sheesha Cafes in Islamabad to Remain Closed Until Further Notice remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.