ISLAMABAD: Illegal sheesha cafes in Islamabad must remain closed until the government frames rules to regulate them. The Islamabad High Court gave the ruling on Tuesday.
Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar was hearing a case against illegal sheesha cafes. The court summoned the chief commissioner and the deputy commissioner of Islamabad to appear at 2pm and directed both officers to file affidavits stating that no illegal sheesha cafe would operate in the city.
During the hearing, the chief justice asked how illegal sheesha cafes were running in Islamabad and whether the government had framed any rules to regulate them.
A government lawyer told the court that rules on sheesha cafes had been prepared and sent to the government, and that approval was expected soon. The petitioner’s counsel sought the closure of all sheesha cafes until the rules were approved.
The chief justice remarked that the court’s earlier order had been misconstrued to create the impression that he had allowed sheesha cafes to operate. That, he said, had brought disrepute to the court.
Children and enforcement at the centre of the case
The chief justice raised two concerns beyond the paperwork. He noted that children were being introduced to sheesha smoking, and that officials were being blocked from entering premises on the pretext that the premises were private property.
He said if the government did not frame rules, the relevant departments should prepare their own standard operating procedures to enforce the ban.
The prosecutor general read out the Supreme Court’s suo motu order on sheesha cafes during the hearing and told the court that the top court had imposed a ban on them.
Advocate Qaiser Imam said court orders on sheesha cafes had been issued for the past six years and asked for clarification on whether the court’s ruling had been misrepresented. The court said it would review the matter after the affidavits of the two officers were submitted.
Police report 163 accused face legal action
Separately, the Islamabad inspector general of police filed a response rejecting allegations of negligence over sheesha cafes and drugs. The report said a zero-tolerance policy was being enforced against sheesha cafes in the capital.
According to the police report, 28 cases were registered at 10 police stations from January 1 to July 15, 2026. Another 61 cases were registered from July 16 to September 7. After court orders, legal action was taken against 163 accused persons across 13 police stations.
Police said special teams had been formed for surveillance, commercial CCTV cameras were being linked with the Safe City system, and operations were being conducted with the help of undercover clients against sheesha cafes.
What the sheesha cafes in Islamabad ruling means
The sheesha cafes in Islamabad ruling draws a clear line. Until the government notifies rules, every illegal sheesha cafe in the city stays shut, and the city’s top two administrators are personally on record with affidavits.
The six-year history of court orders cited by Advocate Qaiser Imam shows this is not a new fight. The difference this time is the personal summons of the chief commissioner and deputy commissioner, which puts enforcement responsibility directly on the city’s administration.
For residents, the immediate effect is visible. Cafe owners who reopened on the assumption that the court’s earlier order permitted them now face closure again, and the affidavit requirement means any cafe found operating will raise questions for the officials who signed the undertaking.
Frequently asked questions
Are sheesha cafes banned in Islamabad?
Illegal sheesha cafes must stay closed until the government frames rules regulating them, according to the Islamabad High Court. The Supreme Court’s suo motu order also imposed a ban on sheesha cafes.
Which officials did the IHC summon?
The chief commissioner and the deputy commissioner of Islamabad. Both must appear with affidavits stating that no illegal sheesha cafe will run in the city.
How many cases have police registered against sheesha cafes?
Police reported 28 cases from January 1 to July 15, 2026, and 61 more from July 16 to September 7, with legal action against 163 accused across 13 police stations.
