The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed authorities to avoid coercive action against legally operating sheesha cafes and restaurants.
However, the court ordered Islamabad Police to continue strict action against businesses operating illegally or violating permit requirements.
IHC Orders Rules for Sheesha Cafes
The court also sought a response from the federal government over the existing legal framework for sheesha cafes.
Authorities have been directed to finalize and implement rules governing such businesses within one month.
The IHC further ordered the federal cabinet to approve relevant laws concerning restrictions on sheesha smoking at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the Advocate General Islamabad and Additional Attorney General were directed to raise the matter with relevant authorities.
The court also ordered authorities to submit a compliance report after finalizing the required rules.
Court Highlights Protection of Young People
During the hearing, the IHC observed that protecting the younger generation from drugs and sheesha smoking remains a government responsibility.
The court also expressed concern over the absence of a proper legal framework governing sheesha cafes.
Therefore, authorities must finalize the rules within one month and report their compliance to the court.
The directions seek to establish clearer rules while distinguishing between legally operating businesses and those violating existing requirements.
Police Ordered to Act Against Illegal Cafes
The court made clear that legal restaurants should not face unlawful action by authorities.
At the same time, businesses violating the law or permit conditions remain subject to strict legal action.
The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was also directed to cooperate with Islamabad Police. The cooperation will support efforts to eliminate drugs.
The court’s directions therefore combine protection for compliant businesses with enforcement against unlawful activities.
Related Petitions Clubbed Together
The IHC ordered all related petitions to be clubbed together for further proceedings. The hearing was subsequently adjourned until October 13.
Until then, authorities must work on finalizing the rules governing sheesha cafes and submit the required compliance report.
The court’s latest directions establish a distinction between lawful operations and businesses that breach legal or permit requirements.
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