IHC Calls Top Islamabad Officials to Account for Spread of Sheesha Lounges and HIV Surge

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the deputy commissioner and the inspector general of police for Islamabad to appear in person, following a petition that warns of a growing number of sheesha cafes in the capital and a possible linked increase in HIV/AIDS infections.

Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar issued the directive on Friday after reviewing the case earlier in the week. The petition was submitted by local resident Raja Abdul Jabbar. His lawyer, Advocate Mohammad Sohail Khurshid, told the court that numerous sheesha establishments are running across Islamabad, with several lacking the mandatory no-objection certificates. He said the venues operate through the night, with crowds gathering from evening until dawn.

The counsel argued that such activity is contributing to serious health issues, including HIV, and pointed to comments by the health minister that reportedly tied late-night cafe gatherings to the disease’s spread. He further accused the authorities of failing to enforce rules against the non-compliant businesses.

The court served notices on the chief commissioner, deputy commissioner, and IGP, requiring a detailed report and clause-by-clause response within seven days. The deputy commissioner and police chief were specifically told to attend the next session themselves.

The chief justice also instructed that the petition be shared with the law officer, who must secure compliance and support the bench at the upcoming hearing. The matter was postponed to September 9.

Source link