Chaiwala Arshad Khan Challenges CNIC Blockage
The Lahore High Court's intervention in the case has provided a glimmer of hope for Arshad Khan, who has been facing difficulties due to the blockage of his CNIC and passport. The court's decision to seek comments and records from the relevant authorities is a step towards ensuring that the government's actions are transparent and just, and that the rights of citizens are protected.
Arshad Khan, a social media sensation from Mardan, has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against the blocking of his CNIC and passport, claiming the government's action is unlawful and unconstitutional. His lawyer, Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani, argues that the government's demand for pre-1978 proof of residency is baseless and lacks legal justification.
The court has issued notices to the federal government and other officials, seeking comments and directing NADRA and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports to appear with relevant records. The court has also restrained the authorities from taking any action against Khan. The Lahore High Court has directed senior officials from NADRA and the emigration department to appear on April 17 with complete records regarding the blockage of Khan's CNIC and passport.
Chaiwala's lawyer argued that his client's future career and business are at stake due to the blockage, and that he is a Pakistani national with a documented history of citizenship. The lawyer claimed that the demand for pre-1978 residency proof by NADRA is based on malafide intentions and has caused irreparable harm to Chaiwala's livelihood and reputation. The court has also directed the law officer to seek instructions from the relevant quarters and submit a report and comments from the respondents before the next hearing.
Arshad Chaiwala, who rose to fame after a photo of him selling tea at a market in Islamabad went viral, has been asked to provide evidence of citizenship. He claims that he is being asked for evidence of residence before 1978, which he cannot provide. Chaiwala, who has also opened his own tea cafe, 'Cafe Chai Wala', in Islamabad, wants to establish an organization to help educate youth and provide them with skills to earn a decent income.
The court's decision to summon the relevant authorities to present records on April 17 is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the allegations of unlawful and unconstitutional actions. The case has sparked interest and concern among the public, with many calling for the government to respect the rights of its citizens and ensure that they are not unfairly targeted or harassed.