ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has directed the district administration to formulate rules governing shisha cafes within one month.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard a petition seeking details of shisha cafes operating in Islamabad. The Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner and other officials appeared before the court.
The chief justice said businesses were respected, but warned that the city’s environment and younger generation could not be put at risk. He questioned whether smoking mixed with cannabis could still be considered ordinary smoking and cautioned against allowing young people to become victims of such practices.
Justice Dogar observed that shisha cafes could not continue operating without proper rules and regulations. He said the absence of clear regulations was exposing the younger generation to harmful activities.
IG Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi told the court that strict action had been taken against shisha cafes following previous court directions. He said authorities had faced resistance from some cafe owners and had found 14- and 15-year-old boys and girls at some establishments. FIRs had been registered against some individuals, while an awareness campaign had also been launched.
Acting Prosecutor General Manzoor Ahmed Jajja suggested that directions be issued to the Ministry of Health and the government to formulate appropriate rules, saying activities beyond smoking were also taking place at some establishments.
The Chief Commissioner and district administration submitted a written response stating that, pending approval of formal regulations, NOCs for shisha cafes were being issued as a temporary arrangement without any fee.
According to the administration, separate SOPs for shisha cafes were not currently required, as existing principles laid down by the High Court served as the basis for issuing NOCs.
The administration said shisha was permitted only in open-air, uncovered areas in accordance with court and World Health Organization guidelines, with a separate written “terrace permit” from the relevant assistant commissioner required.
It also highlighted the fire risk posed by unsafe storage of charcoal and related equipment at shisha cafes and said restaurants were required to comply with fire-safety and prevention measures.
The administration further stated that shisha and other tobacco products could only be served to adults and that environmental standards had to be maintained.
The court subsequently directed the authorities to formulate the required rules and adjourned the hearing for one month.
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