Islamabad authorities have launched a crackdown on sheesha cafes following recent directions from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Eleven cafes have been sealed during the ongoing operation. Assistant Commissioner Islamabad sealed three cafes in Sector E-11, six in Civic Center and two in Sector I-8 on Thursday.
The action follows the district administration’s decision to prohibit sheesha cafe operations across the federal capital.
Islamabad Cancels Shisha Cafe NOCs
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said authorities would implement the court’s directions in letter and spirit.
“NOCs issued to all indoor cafes have been cancelled,” the deputy commissioner said.
The administration has also directed officials to enforce the ban against sheesha cafes operating in different areas of Islamabad.
The crackdown covers establishments operating both indoors and outdoors. It also applies to cafes that previously held no-objection certificates.
IHC Directs Administration to Formulate Rules
The latest action follows an Islamabad High Court order directing the district administration to formulate rules governing sheesha cafes within one month.
On Wednesday, Memon announced a complete ban on sheesha cafe operations in the capital until further orders.
“In compliance with the orders of the IHC, a complete ban has been imposed with immediate effect on the operation of sheesha cafes in the federal capital until further orders,” Memon wrote in a private post.
He said the ban applies to all types of sheesha cafes, regardless of whether they operate with NOCs.
The administration has also clarified that both indoor and outdoor establishments fall under the restrictions. The latest sealing operation signals stricter enforcement across Islamabad. Authorities are expected to continue inspections and action against cafes that violate the ban.
