ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the complete closure of all sheesha cafes in the federal capital until new rules and regulations are introduced.
Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by citizen Abdul Jabbar against the operation of shisha cafes without the required no-objection certificates (NOCs).
The court has directed the relevant authorities to withdraw previously issued NOCs to shisha cafes.
In its latest verdict, the court ordered that all types of shisha cafes, including indoor and outdoor, remain closed until the new rules are finalised.
Following the court’s order, the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner announced that all shisha cafes would remain closed until the new regulations are introduced, adding that a crackdown on those violating the directions will start tonight.
“Owners and operators are directed to cease operations and comply with the court’s orders,” the DC said in a statement.
Earlier, during the hearing on July 15, 2026, Chief Justice Dogar had sought details of shisha cafes from the relevant authorities. Later, on September 9, the court directed the authorities to formulate rules and regulations for the cafes within a month.
The court will issue the detailed written judgment later, which will further detail the court’s directions and their implementation.
