IHC Directs District Admin To Frame Rules For Shisha Cafes Within One Month
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 9th Sep, 2026) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed the district administration to formulate rules and regulations for shisha cafes within one month, while seeking details of the number of such establishments operating in the Federal capital and action taken against those violating no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard petitions concerning shisha cafes. Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Advocate General Naved Hayat Malik and Acting Prosecutor General Manzoor Ahmed Jajja appeared before the court.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice observed that the court respected businesses but warned against activities that could harm society.
“Do not destroy the entire city,” he remarked, adding that if cannabis was mixed with tobacco, it would still constitute smoking. He further stated that such activities were taking place in open spaces and could adversely affect the younger generation.
The Islamabad IG informed the court that strict action had been taken against shisha cafes following court orders. FIRs had also been registered against some persons, while authorities faced resistance from cafe owners during raids. He said children as young as 14 and 15 years had been found at some shisha cafes. The police had also launched an awareness campaign regarding the issue.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar observed that shisha cafes could not continue operating in the absence of proper rules and regulations. He remarked that the existing arrangements were adversely affecting the lives of residents of Islamabad.
Acting Prosecutor General Manzoor Ahmed Jajja told the court that some of the persons involved in selling shisha were also children aged 18 or below. He suggested that directions be issued to the Ministry of Health and the government to formulate proper rules, adding that activities at such establishments went beyond smoking. He said a report would be submitted to the court.
The Chief Justice asked whether cafe operators closed their doors whenever raids were conducted. The Islamabad IG replied that this had been observed during all raids conducted by the authorities.
The Chief Commissioner and district administration submitted their written response to the court, stating that shisha cafe NOCs were currently being issued under a temporary arrangement until formal rules were approved by the federal government.
According to the response, there was no need for separate standard operating procedures for shisha cafes, as the principles laid down by the High Court were being followed as the criteria for issuance of NOCs. The district administration said, in light of the High Court’s directions and World Health Organization guidelines.
