Noor-us-Sabah
Arshad Khan, famously known as the “Chaiwala,” has had his national identity card and passport blocked by authorities due to growing concerns about his nationality. Khan became a household name after a photo of him selling tea in an Islamabad market went viral when he was just 17 years old. However, despite his fame, the 26-year-old is now facing scrutiny over his Pakistani citizenship.
The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and passport authorities took action after Khan failed to provide sufficient evidence confirming his citizenship status. Reports have since emerged, suggesting that Khan may actually be an Afghan citizen, raising questions about his legal standing in Pakistan. This development has led to significant confusion regarding his nationality.
In response to this action, Arshad Khan has taken legal steps and approached the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench. With the help of his lawyer, Advocate Umar Ijaz Gilani, Khan has filed a petition stating that the authorities have demanded proof of his residency dating back to before 1978, a request he claims is nearly impossible to fulfill. In light of this, the court has summoned the relevant authorities, along with all required records, for a hearing on April 17.
This incident comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing campaign to repatriate Afghan refugees and other foreign nationals living in the country illegally. Since April 1, Pakistan has deported approximately 944 foreign families, totaling over 6,700 individuals. This intensifying effort to remove illegal residents adds further pressure to Khan’s situation.
As the case develops, the public’s attention remains fixed on the questions surrounding Arshad Khan’s citizenship. The upcoming court hearing could significantly shape his future, and many are awaiting to see whether the authorities will lift the ban on his national identification documents.
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