The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench has issued a written order in the case filed by social media personality Arshad Khan, better known as “Chaiwala,” who challenged the cancellation of his national identity card (CNIC) and passport.
Justice Jawad Hassan presided over the hearing and issued notices to all concerned parties, including NADRA, instructing them to respond by April 17.
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In his petition, Arshad Khan questioned the legality of NADRA and other authorities blocking his CNIC and passport after a rumor aired on a TV channel raised doubts about his nationality. His lawyer argued that this action has endangered his career and future prospects.
The petitioner’s counsel asserted that Arshad Khan is a Pakistani citizen, with his family having a documented history of Pakistani citizenship.
They also argued that the demand for proof of citizenship before 1978 was unfair and baseless, emphasizing that under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, a passport is a fundamental right of every citizen.
In response, the government’s lawyer objected to the petition’s validity, claiming that Arshad Khan failed to provide any documents to prove his Pakistani citizenship. The government maintained that blocking his CNIC and passport was lawful and necessary. The court ordered the government’s legal team to ensure that all relevant departments submit their reports by the next hearing on April 17.
