ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notice to Assistant Commissioner for sealing a private sheesha cafe.

The Supreme Court had in 2015 ordered a crackdown on sheesha cafes. However, after a brief intervalthe illegal sheesha centres again resurfaced in various public places in the federal capital.

Acting Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar on Thursday issued the notice during the hearing of a petition filed by private cafe owner Khaliq Mahmood.

The petitioner`s counsel, Advocate Imran Feroze informed the court that a single member bench had previously issued an order preventing any harassment against the cafe owner.

Despite this, Assistant Commissioner Mahin allegedly raided and sealed the premises and also arrested one of the cafe`s employees. The lawyer argued that the AC`s actions directly violated the court`s directives and constituted contempt of court.

The petitioner further pointed out the absence of clear legislation regulating sheesha cafes in Islamabad, which he said contributes to arbitrary enforcement actions.

In response to the allegations, the court served a notice to the assistant commissioner and the district administration, directing them to submit a written explanation within seven days.

The court adjourned further hearing of the case until next week.

In June 2022, lHC single member bench had ordered immediate action against illegal sheesha cafes operating in public places, particularly in Sector E-11 of the capital.

The court had highlighted that smoking, including sheesha was strictly prohibited under the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002. It had also emphasised that Pakistan was signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The IHC had directed the Federal Government to frame necessary rules within six months to regulate designated smoking areas, as provided under Section 5 of the ordinance. Until such rules are notified, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad was ordered to seal all sheesha bars operating in violation of the law.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025