IHC Bans All Types of Sheesha Cafes in Islamabad
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar directs the closure of indoor and outdoor sheesha operations across Islamabad until new regulations are approved, with previously issued NOCs also directed to be withdrawn.
ISLAMABAD, October 14, 2026: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the complete closure of all categories of sheesha cafes across the federal capital until the government introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework governing their operations.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued the directions during proceedings concerning the operation of sheesha cafes allegedly functioning without proper legal authorisation in Islamabad.
According to details of the latest proceedings, the court directed that sheesha cafes should remain closed until the relevant rules and regulations are formally approved and implemented.
The reported directions cover both indoor and outdoor sheesha operations, with no exemption for establishments previously operating under no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Court Directs Withdrawal of Previously Issued NOCs
In another significant development, the court reportedly ordered the withdrawal of NOCs previously issued to sheesha cafes by the relevant authorities.
The direction effectively places existing permissions under review while the government works to establish a formal legal framework for regulating these establishments.
The precise terms and implementation of the withdrawal direction are expected to become clearer once the court issues its written order.
Chief Justice Questions Operation Without Regulations
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned how sheesha cafes had continued operating in Islamabad despite the absence of properly finalised regulations.
The chief justice also expressed displeasure over the interpretation of an earlier court order, which had reportedly been presented as allowing sheesha cafes to continue operating.
He clarified that the previous directions were intended to protect establishments conducting business in accordance with the law, rather than authorise unrestricted sheesha operations.
The court emphasised that the absence of regulatory rules could not provide justification for activities lacking legal authorisation.
Senior Islamabad Officials Appear Before Court
The proceedings also involved senior officials of the Islamabad administration and police.
The Chief Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Inspector General of Islamabad Police appeared before the court after being directed to attend the hearing.
Government representatives informed the court that draft regulations for sheesha cafes had already been prepared and forwarded to the relevant authorities for approval.
However, the regulatory framework had not yet been formally finalised.
The chief justice stressed the importance of establishing clear rules to determine which activities could be legally permitted and under what conditions.
Earlier Court Orders and Regulatory Background
The latest directions follow a series of proceedings concerning sheesha cafes in the federal capital.
On September 9, 2026, the Islamabad High Court directed the authorities to formulate comprehensive regulations within one month.
Following that hearing, the district administration announced restrictions covering all sheesha cafes, including establishments operating indoors, outdoors and under previously issued NOCs.
However, a subsequent written court order provided protection against coercive action for establishments operating lawfully under valid permissions.
During the latest proceedings, the chief justice expressed concern that the earlier judicial directions had been misrepresented as granting broader authorisation.
The new closure order represents a significant development in the ongoing legal and administrative dispute over the operation of sheesha cafes in Islamabad.
Islamabad Police Reports Enforcement Measures
Separately, Islamabad Police submitted a report detailing enforcement measures against unlawful sheesha-related activities.
According to the police report, 89 cases were registered between January 1 and September 7, 2026, involving 282 individuals.
The figures were submitted as part of the police response to allegations concerning enforcement and regulatory compliance.
The police maintained that action had been taken against establishments operating in violation of applicable laws.
Written Court Order Awaited
The Islamabad High Court is expected to release its written order regarding the latest proceedings.
The written directions will provide further clarity on the legal scope of the closure, withdrawal of existing NOCs and responsibilities of the relevant enforcement authorities.
Until the new regulatory framework is approved, sheesha cafe operations across the federal capital are to remain suspended under the court’s reported directions.
