The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Chief Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Inspector General of Islamabad Police and other respondents to submit their reports and para-wise comments within seven days in a case concerning the operation of shisha cafes and the reported increase in HIV cases in the federal capital.
Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar issued a two-page written order on a petition filed by citizen Abdul Jabbar. According to the order, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that a large number of shisha cafes were operating within Islamabad, with some functioning after obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) while others were operating without the required approvals. The counsel further argued that shisha cafes were contributing to the spread of HIV and other diseases and alleged that the relevant authorities had failed to take action against establishments violating the applicable rules and regulations.
Issuing notices to the respondents, the court directed the Chief Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Inspector General of Police and other concerned authorities to file their reports and para-wise comments within seven days.
The court also ordered the Deputy Commissioner and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police to appear in person at the next hearing. The written order further directed that a copy of the petition be provided to the law officer, who was instructed to ensure compliance with the court’s directions and assist the court during the next hearing.
The case was adjourned until September 9.