Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court has asked the federal government and other officials to respond after Arshad Khan — the popular social media personality known as the ‘chaiwala’ — challenged the blocking of his passport and national ID card (CNIC).
Arshad Khan, who is from Mardan, became famous in 2016 when a photo of him serving tea in Islamabad went viral on Instagram. Since then, he has gained international fame.
His lawyer, Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani, told the court that the blocking of Arshad’s documents by NADRA and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is illegal and goes against the Constitution.
The lawyer said Arshad Khan is a symbol of hope for ordinary Pakistanis — someone who achieved global success through hard work. He argued that the move has hurt Arshad’s reputation and put his future at risk.
He also claimed that NADRA’s demand for proof of residence before 1978 was unfair, especially since Arshad’s family already has a record of Pakistani citizenship. The lawyer referred to articles of the Constitution that protect a person’s right to earn, live with dignity, and be treated fairly.
The court was also told that other high courts have ruled that blocking someone’s CNIC or passport without due process is illegal. However, the government’s lawyers argued that Arshad hadn’t provided enough proof to confirm his Pakistani nationality.
Justice Hassan has now asked NADRA and immigration officials to respond in detail by April 17. He also ordered that no action be taken against Arshad until the matter is resolved.
In a related case, Justice Hassan also stopped authorities from taking action against another petitioner who was born in Pakistan to Afghan refugee parents. The petitioner is seeking citizenship by birth, as allowed under Pakistani law.
The judge said NADRA must hear the case and provide a clear decision within one month, while no government agency should pressure the petitioner until then.