{
  "id": 6906417,
  "title": "IHC prohibits ‘coercive measures’ against legal sheesha cafes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/ihc-prohibits-coercive-measures-against-legal-sheesha-cafes-6906417",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T10:23:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2029360/ihc-prohibits-coercive-measures-against-legal-sheesha-cafes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday put a stop to any \"coercive measures\" against legally operating establishments serving sheesha, as long as they adhere to the necessary permits or licences. The court's decision came during a hearing on September 9, where it directed the district administration to create detailed rules and regulations for sheesha cafes within a month. The court reiterated its earlier directive, emphasizing that sheesha cafes require a proper regulatory framework and reiterated the need for lawful action against illegal sheesha-related activities and narcotics offenses. However, the court made it clear that no coercive measures should be taken against establishments that are operating within the law and serving sheesha in compliance with their permits. The IHC also highlighted the responsibility of the authorities to protect public health and prevent young people from engaging in smoking, substance abuse, and other unlawful practices. The court instructed the advocate general and the Islamabad additional attorney general to collaborate with the relevant authorities to finalize the regulatory framework within one month. The Prohibition of Sheesha Smoking Rules 2023 remained pending before the federal government and had not been finalized yet, and the matter has been set for relisting on October 13. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon had previously announced a complete ban on sheesha cafes in the federal capital, including those with no-objection certificates (NOCs), as well as outdoor and indoor cafes. The DC's order was issued in response to the IHC's concern over the lack of a legal framework for sheesha cafes. During the hearing, the court expressed concern about the health risks associated with young people engaging in smoking and substance abuse. The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner and the Islamabad Inspector General of Police also appeared before the court in their personal capacities.",
  "summary": "The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday barred authorities from taking “coercive measures” against eateries legally operating and serving sheesha under permits or licences issued by the relevant authorities. The written order, seen by Dawn , was issued for the proceedings held on September 9 (Wednesday), when the IHC directed the district administration to formulate comprehensive rules and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "IHC prohibits ‘coercive measures’ against legal sheesha cafes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/ihc-prohibits-coercive-measures-against-legal-sheesha-cafes",
        "published": "2026-09-12T10:23:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}