The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed the authorities to restore the national identity card of Arshad Khan, popularly known as Arshad Chaiwala, a tea vendor who became an internet sensation overnight after his picture at his tea stall went viral.
After the court order, Arshad’s identity card was restored by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). NADRA’s Verification Board has confirmed Arshad’s Pakistani citizenship.
Arshad’s lawyer Omar Ijaz Gilani informed the court on Monday that his client’s issue has been resolved. The court disposed of the case on the petitioner’s request.
NADRA had blocked Arshad’s passport and national identity card sometime ago. The court observed at Monday's hearing that blocking a citizen’s national identity card or passport was a violation of constitutional rights.
The NADRA Verification Board has confirmed that Arshad and his family are Pakistani citizens, Gilani said. After disposing of Arshad Khan’s request, the court dismissed the case.