The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench has issued a written order in the case filed by social media personality Arshad Khan, famously known as "Chaiwala", challenging the cancellation of his national identity card and passport.
Justice Jawad Hassan presided over the hearing and issued notices to all parties concerned, including NADRA, directing them to submit their responses by April 17.
The order stated that in his petition, Arshad Khan questioned the legality of blocking his CNIC and passport by NADRA and the other parties, reportedly after a rumour aired on a TV channel cast doubt on his nationality. His lawyer argued that the move has jeopardised his future and professional career.
The petitioner's counsel maintained that Arshad Khan is a Pakistani citizen and that his family has a documented history of Pakistani citizenship. He further contended that the demand for proof of citizenship prior to 1978 was malicious and unjust, emphasizing that under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, a passport is a fundamental right of every citizen.
On the other hand, the government lawyer raised objections over the maintainability of the petition, claiming that Arshad Khan had failed to present any document to substantiate his Pakistani citizenship. The government’s stance was that the blocking of Arshad Khan’s CNIC and passport was a lawful and necessary measure, as per the court order.
The court directed the government’s legal counsel to ensure that all relevant departments submit their reports on the matter before the next hearing on April 17.
