Relief for Islamabad Shisha Cafe as IHC stays illegal proceedings.
ISLAMABAD – Some relief for shisha cafes, as the Islamabad High Court stayed illegal action against legal shisha cafes – while putting illegal operators on strict notice.
The Islamabad High Court, protecting apparently law-abiding restaurants from arbitrary action, ordered authorities to crack down on businesses operating illegally or violating permit conditions.
The court directed the authorities not to take coercive or illegal action against Shisha cafes and restaurants which are operating in accordance with the law. But this relief comes with a caveat as establishments that violate the law or operate without meeting permit requirements will face stricter enforcement.
The IHC directed the Islamabad Police to continue cracking down on illegal shisha cafes and businesses that violate legal requirements or conditions attached to their permits.
The court also raised serious questions over the absence of a proper regulatory framework for Shisha Cafe and sought a response from the federal government. Authorities have been given one month to finalize and implement rules governing such institutions.
The federal cabinet has been separately directed to approve the relevant legislation regarding the ban on shisha smoking as soon as possible.
Advocate General Islamabad and Additional Attorney General were directed to take up the matter with the authorities concerned and ensure progress on the required legislation and regulations.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the responsibility of the government to protect the young generation from drugs and shisha smoking. The bench expressed concern that the lack of a proper legal framework has left the regulation of shisha cafes in a state of uncertainty.
The court directed the authorities to finalize the rules and submit a compliance report within a month. The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was also directed to cooperate with the Islamabad Police in efforts to eradicate drug-related activities.
The IHC further ordered that all the petitions related to this issue be consolidated. The hearing has been adjourned till October 13. The ruling has given the government a month’s time to resolve legal and regulatory issues related to shisha cafes, while keeping illegal operators firmly under the purview of enforcement agencies.
Shisha Cafe in Islamabad completely closed under new crackdown
The post Relief for Islamabad’s Shisha Cafe, IHC bans illegal action appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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