Islamabad Shuts Down All Sheesha Cafés After IHC Order
All Sheesha Cafés Ordered to Close
Authorities in Islamabad have directed all Islamabad sheesha cafés to stop operating immediately.
The order follows directions from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which raised concerns about how these establishments continued to operate without a complete regulatory framework.
According to a public announcement by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, all sheesha café closure instructions must be followed until the relevant authorities introduce new rules.
The administration has also ordered the withdrawal of previously issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) for these establishments.
Crackdown to Begin Against Violating Cafés
The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad warned that enforcement action against sheesha café operators would begin on the night of October 14.
Café owners and managers have been directed to follow the closure instructions. Authorities have warned that businesses found operating in violation of the order could face strict action.
Possible measures include sealing the premises and taking legal action against those who ignore the restrictions.
The announcement has made clear that Islamabad sheesha cafés cannot reopen simply because they previously held an NOC. They must wait for the new regulatory framework and follow the applicable instructions.
IHC Questions Sheesha Café Operations
The latest move follows court proceedings in which the IHC questioned how sheesha cafés were continuing to operate without comprehensive rules governing their activities.
The court directed the relevant authorities to ensure compliance and work towards preparing a regulatory framework for these establishments.
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The issue has brought the sheesha café closure order under renewed attention in the federal capital.
The administration is now expected to enforce the closure while the process of preparing new rules moves forward.
Reopening Depends on New Rules
For café owners, the immediate concern is when they will be allowed to resume business.
The administration’s announcement states that all sheesha cafés must remain closed until new rules are introduced. However, it does not provide a specific date for reopening.
The detailed written order from the court is still awaited. It is expected to provide further clarity about how the directions will be implemented.
Until then, operators of Islamabad sheesha cafés have been advised to comply with the closure and avoid any activity that could lead to penalties.
