NADRA Blocks CNIC and Passport of Arshad Khan 'Chaiwala'
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 10, 2025
- 12:06 pm
- 54
- Trending
Arshad Khan Chaiwala faces a legal battle after NADRA blocked his CNIC and passport, raising questions about citizenship verification in Pakistan.
Arshad Khan Chaiwala is facing a new legal battle. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has blocked his CNIC and passport. This move has created serious trouble for him.
Arshad Khan Chaiwala became famous in 2016. He was spotted serving tea in Islamabad, and his photo went viral on Instagram. He is originally from Mardan. Since his fame, he has worked as a model and opened his own café. His story became known around the world.
Now, despite his popularity, NADRA claims he could not prove his Pakistani citizenship. This has affected his identity and his work.
On Wednesday, Arshad went to the Lahore High Court. He was represented by his lawyer, Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani. The lawyer said the action taken by NADRA was illegal and against the Constitution. He added that Arshad is a symbol of the Pakistani dream—rising from humble roots to global popularity.
During the hearing, the lawyer shared Arshad’s background. He said Arshad’s family has a clean record of Pakistani citizenship. He argued that NADRA’s demand for proof of residence before 1978 was unfair. He said it was done with bad intentions. He told the court that blocking Arshad’s identity documents harms his right to livelihood, dignity, and business.
The court heard that many similar cases had already been decided. The Lahore, Sindh, and Islamabad High Courts had ruled that NADRA must follow proper legal steps. Authorities are not allowed to block ID cards or passports without fair procedure.
Still, NADRA’s lawyer disagreed. He said Arshad did not give enough documents. He also raised questions about the petition’s legal validity.
Even with these claims, the court supported Arshad for now. Justice Jawad Hassan took the matter seriously. He sent notices to the federal government, NADRA, and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports. He told them to respond by April 17. He also ordered senior officers to bring complete records and appear in court.
Until the next hearing, NADRA and related departments cannot take action against Arshad Khan.
In another case discussed on the same day, the court protected another person. This individual was born in Pakistan to Afghan parents. They asked to be officially recognized as a Pakistani citizen.
The court accepted the request. It found the case strong. The judge ordered NADRA to decide on it within a month. The court also said NADRA must explain its decision in writing and follow the law.
Now, both cases are waiting for further court decisions. NADRA and the other departments must explain their actions clearly and legally.
