Arshad Chaiwala Moves Court Over Blocked ID and Passport
Pakistani social media sensation Arshad Khan, popularly known as Chaiwala, has approached the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi Bench after the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and passport office blocked his identity card and passport. Authorities reportedly took action due to his failure to provide proof of citizenship.
Arshad rose to fame as a teenager when a photograph of him selling tea at an Islamabad market went viral. His striking looks—particularly his piercing blue eyes—captivated millions, earning him modeling offers, media attention, and international recognition.
In his petition, filed through Advocate Umar Ijaz Gilani, Arshad claims he's being asked to provide proof of residence before 1978—a requirement he says is both unreasonable and unjust. The court has summoned the relevant authorities to present records on April 17.
During the hearing, Advocate Gilani argued that Arshad symbolizes the "Pakistani dream," having risen from modest beginnings to global fame through a single candid photograph.
In 2020, Arshad opened his own café in Islamabad, aptly named Café Chai Wala. Decorated with traditional truck art, the café celebrates Pakistani culture. Despite advice to drop the Chaiwala label, Arshad embraced it. “Many suggested I drop Chaiwala from the name, but it’s what gave me my identity—and that’s something I’ll always treasure,” he said in an interview.
Arshad also expressed his desire to launch an initiative focused on youth education and skill development, aiming to empower young people with tools to earn a sustainable livelihood.
The court received information about prior rulings from the Sindh High Court, Islamabad High Court, and Lahore High Court, which deemed the blocking of identity documents without proper due process as illegal.
In response, the Assistant Attorney General and NADRA’s legal representative challenged the petition's maintainability, arguing that the petitioner had not provided sufficient proof of Pakistani citizenship.
However, Justice Jawad Hassan issued notices to the relevant authorities for April 17, instructing senior officials from NADRA and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports to appear with the necessary records to explain their actions.
The court also prohibited authorities from taking any adverse or coercive actions against Arshad Khan until a final decision is reached. The petitioner, born in Pakistan to Afghan refugee parents, submitted a birth certificate issued by the Government of Pakistan. He is seeking formal recognition of his citizenship under Section 4 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, and requests the issuance of his identity documents accordingly.
The judge ruled that the petition is maintainable and directed NADRA to resolve the issue within one month via a legally valid interim order. Notably, the court also restrained all government departments from taking any punitive measures against the petitioner until NADRA makes a final determination.
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