In Islamabad, the district administration has once again halted its operations against shisha cafes, despite the alarming rise in their numbers and the growing concerns about their involvement in drug-related activities. Currently, more than 108 shisha cafes are operating across various sectors of the federal capital, including F6, F7, F8, F10, F11, E7, E11, B17, I8, I9, I10, and the Civic Center of Bahria Town. However, action was taken against only nine of these establishments, all located in Bahria Town’s Civic Center, and even those actions are being viewed as symbolic rather than effective. These cafes were soon allowed to reopen, raising serious questions about the sincerity and performance of the district administration.
Despite clear directives from the Supreme Court, there has been no substantial follow-up or enforcement against the majority of these cafes. Reports suggest that the owners of these establishments have formed a powerful network or mafia-like group that hinders any significant action against them. This situation has caused public concern, especially as many of these cafes are believed to be facilitating drug trafficking under the guise of recreational smoking. Substances such as ice (crystal meth), hashish, and various narcotic pills are allegedly being distributed through these venues, contributing to the rising trend of drug use among the youth.
Citizens are increasingly alarmed at the lack of accountability and are demanding urgent intervention from the Interior Minister, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police. They stress that the unchecked growth of these cafes is not only a violation of legal directives but also a threat to public health and safety, particularly for the younger generation. Immediate and concrete action is being called for to dismantle these operations and ensure the eradication of drug trafficking across the city.
