Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court issued a significant ruling regarding shisha cafes, restraining disciplinary action against those that hold permits from the competent authority and fulfill all legal requirements, while ordering action in accordance with the law against illegal shisha activities and drug-related offenses.
Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued a three-page written order. Expressing concern over the lack of an effective regulatory framework for shisha cafes, the court directed that the laws concerning shisha currently under consideration by the Federal Cabinet be finalized.
The court ordered the Advocate General of Islamabad and the Additional Attorney General to raise the matter with the relevant authorities and ensure the completion of the required regulatory framework for shisha cafes within one month. It also directed that a compliance report regarding the finalization of the framework be submitted within the same timeframe.
The Islamabad High Court ordered the police to take necessary legal measures to identify and curb illegal shisha and drug-related crimes, while also directing the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to perform its duties within the limits of its legal authority.
The court ruled that the ANF should coordinate with the police and other relevant agencies, and that action should be taken in accordance with the law wherever evidence of illegal activities exists.
The order directed the relevant authorities to focus specifically on protecting the younger generation from smoking, the use of narcotics, and other illegal activities. The court clarified that no disciplinary action should be taken against any establishment or restaurant operating a shisha service in accordance with permits issued by the relevant authorities; however, the law will take its course in the event of any illegal activity or violation of the law and the permit.
Further hearing on the petition has been scheduled for October 13.
