By Abdullah Ahmad
LAHORE; The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Monday that the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had restored the computerised national identity card (CNIC) of social media personality Arshad Khan, popularly known as the ‘chaiwala’, after due verification.
Arshad Khan, a native of Mardan, became an internet sensation in 2016 when a photographer’s picture of him pouring tea at a stall went viral on Instagram. Earlier this year, he had approached the LHC against the blocking of his CNIC and passport by Nadra and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
According to an order issued by Justice Jawad Hassan, the court was informed that the petitioner’s grievance had been resolved. The counsel for Khan stated that once the court took notice of the matter, Nadra summoned his client to appear before a verification board. After a thorough verification process, his CNIC was restored, effectively addressing his complaint.
The judge remarked that the petition had achieved its objective and therefore dismissed it, noting that it had “borne fruit.”
Following the hearing, Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani told the media that the issue had been discussed at the government’s highest level, after which Nadra initiated a verification process that confirmed the CNIC was wrongfully blocked.
Speaking to reporters, Arshad Khan said he was a proud Pakistani and would always remain one. Once a tea seller at Islamabad’s Sunday Bazaar near Peshawar Chowk, Khan gained overnight fame after his photo went viral, drawing crowds of fans eager to take selfies with him. His sudden popularity even led to modeling opportunities and advertising contracts.
