Islamabad: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government and relevant authorities in response to a petition filed by social media personality Arshad Khan, popularly known as the ‘chaiwala.’ Khan, who gained fame in 2016 after a viral photo of him serving tea captured global attention, is challenging the blocking of his Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport.
Represented by Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani, the petitioner has argued that the actions of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports are both unconstitutional and unlawful. Arshad Khan, a Mardan resident, reports that the blocking of his identity documents has harmed his reputation in the community and limited his employment options.
In the court hearing, Gilani showed that Khan’s journey represents a perfect example of the ‘Pakistani dream,’ since he ascended from his economic beginnings into worldwide recognition. Given Khan’s recently attained international recognition status, NADRA’s current activities run the risk of jeopardizing his professional and reputation-based chances. Because it violated Khan’s rights, the lawyer called NADRA’s demand for proof of residency prior to 1978 “baseless” and accused them of malicious intent.
Gilani referenced constitutional articles, including those guaranteeing the right to livelihood, dignity, and lawful treatment, to support the argument that Khan’s rights had been violated by these actions. The appeal included earlier rulings from the Lahore High Court, the Sindh High Court, and the Islamabad High Court that determined that denying passports and CNICs was illegal due to a lack of due process requirements.
In their official responses to Khan’s appeal, the assistant attorney general and the legal officer for NADRA questioned Khan’s capacity to prove his Pakistani identity.
Justice Jawad Hassan, presiding over the case, issued notices to the respondents, directing them to submit detailed responses by April 17. Senior officials from NADRA and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports have been ordered to appear in court with the relevant records to justify their actions. The court also issued a restraining order, preventing any further adverse actions against Khan until the next hearing.
