Islamabad orders closure of sheesha cafes as court...

Summary

• ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital are preparing to shut down sheesha cafes operating in indoor and outdoor spaces following directions linked to an Islamabad High Court case.
• Court raises concerns about young visitors The administrative decision follows proceedings before the Islamabad High Court where Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar expressed concern about the regulation of sheesha establishments and their potential impact on young people.
• The court proceedings have placed the operation of sheesha venues under greater scrutiny with authorities facing pressure to ensure that applicable restrictions are properly enforced.

AI Generated Summary

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital are preparing to shut down sheesha cafes operating in indoor and outdoor spaces following directions linked to an Islamabad High Court case. The proposed enforcement drive will apply even to establishments that previously received official permission to operate.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced that the restrictions would take effect on October 14. According to the administration existing no-objection certificates issued to sheesha cafes will no longer remain valid under the new measures.