Pakistan blocks internet sensation Arshad chaiwala's ID card, passport

Pakistani internet sensation Arshad Khan's identity card and passport have been blocked by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and passport authorities for not providing evidence of citizenship.

Arshad rose to fame after a photo of him selling tea at a market in Islamabad at the age of 17 went viral.

He came to be known as “chaiwala” (tea seller) with people drooling over his looks, especially his blue eye pupil colour.

Following his overnight popularity, the young boy was interviewed by top media as well as offered modelling gigs.

Many netizens in Pakistan praised his physical beauty and expressed their support for him. As a result, Arshad achieved international fame.

Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government and others after Arshad challenged the blocking of his documents.

Arshad Khan, who hails from Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, rose to fame back in 2016 when a photographer shared a photo of him pouring tea on Instagram, which went viral.

Represented by Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani, the petitioner approached the court under Article 199 of the Constitution, claiming that the blocking of his identity documents by the National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra) and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports was both unlawful and unconstitutional.

Gilani argued before the court that Arshad Khan symbolised the quintessential Pakistani dream — rising from a humble beginning to international fame after a candid photograph of him selling tea in Islamabad went viral.

Despite his global recognition, the actions of Nadra and other authorities have jeopardised his future career and tarnished his reputation. He said that the demand by Nadra for pre-1978 proof of residency was based on mala fide intent and lacked legal justification, especially when Arshad Khan's family had a documented citizenship history.

Citing the Constitution, the lawyer emphasised the violation of Khan's rights to livelihood, dignity, and lawful treatment.

The court was also informed of precedents from the Sindh High Court (SHC), Islamabad High Court (IHC), and previous judgements of the LHC, where the blocking of CNICs and passports without due process was declared illegal.

In response, the assistant attorney general and Nadra's law officer questioned the maintainability of the petition, arguing that the petitioner failed to submit sufficient documentation proving Pakistani nationality.

Justice Hassan issued notices to the respondents for April 17 seeking para-wise comments and instructing senior officials from Nadra and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports to appear with relevant records to justify their actions. He also restrained the authorities from taking any adverse action against the petitioner as well.