Islamabad authorities impose a “complete ban” on sheesha cafes in the federal capital, ordering that establishments be sealed and cases registered against owners found violating the order. The measures are implemented immediately, according to the Islamabad deputy commissioner, and apply broadly across cafe types, including venues operating with no-objection certificates and indoor or outdoor setups.
The action follows an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order. In court, the chief justice says sheesha cafes cannot operate under the current interim arrangement because there is no comprehensive regulatory framework. The court gives district administration a one-month deadline to formulate detailed rules and regulations, while directing that the existing court-approved arrangement remains in force until federal regulations are in place.
Outlets describe the same core sequence—court criticism, a regulatory timetable, and an administrative clampdown—but differ in emphasis. The Express Tribune highlights the “complete ban” as a direct result of the IHC order. Dawn adds more courtroom context, including police statements about raids and reported presence of minors at some venues, as well as discussion of health and safety concerns and how current NOC criteria operate pending federal legislation.
