LHC seeks reply in Arshad Khan ‘chaiwala’s ID, passport cancellation case

WEB DESK: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a written order regarding the cancellation of Arshad Khan’s national identity card and passport. Justice Jawad Hassan conducted the hearing on Arshad Khan’s petition while issuing notices to NADRA and other concerned parties, seeking their responses by April 17. Arshad who shot to fame with a viral photo is often knows as Arshad chaiwala.

Arshad Khan had challenged the cancellation of his identity documents by NADRA and other authorities. The petitioner’s counsel argued that baseless allegations by a TV channel had jeopardised his client’s future, stating that Arshad Khan is a Pakistani citizen with his family having a documented history of citizenship since before 1978.

The government lawyer raised objections about the petition’s maintainability, contending that Arshad Khan failed to provide valid proof of Pakistani citizenship and that blocking his documents was justified. However, the petitioner’s lawyer countered that demanding residency proof predating 1978 was unreasonable, stressing passport possession constitutes a fundamental right under the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951.

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The court has directed all parties to submit their responses by April 17 and instructed the government counsel to ensure relevant departments file their reports accordingly. Justice Hassan maintained the court’s proceedings while considering arguments from both sides regarding the controversial cancellation of the social media celebrity’s official documents.