LHC Told Arshad ‘Chaiwala’ Khan’s CNIC Restored After Nadra Verification

LAHORE – October 21, 2025:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Monday that the computerised national identity card (CNIC) of social media sensation Arshad Khan, popularly known as the ‘chaiwala’, has been restored by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) after due verification.

Arshad Khan, who gained viral fame in 2016 after a photograph of him serving tea in Islamabad’s Sunday Bazaar went viral, had approached the LHC in April following the suspension of his CNIC and passport documents.

According to the court order issued by Justice Jawad Hassan, Khan’s legal counsel confirmed that Nadra had verified his identity through a verification board and subsequently unblocked his CNIC. The court was told that Khan no longer wished to pursue the case, as his grievance had been resolved.

“The competent authority called the petitioner to appear before the verification board […] and after due verification, his CNIC has been unblocked,” the court order read.

Justice Hassan dismissed the writ petition, noting that the case had “borne fruit”.

Outside the court, Barrister Umer Ijaz Gilani, Khan’s lawyer, stated that the matter was raised at the “highest level of government,” after which Nadra initiated the verification process, eventually admitting that the CNIC had been wrongfully blocked.

Speaking to reporters, Arshad Khan reaffirmed his national identity:

“I am a Pakistani and will always remain a Pakistani.”

Since his rise to fame, Khan has transitioned from a humble tea vendor to a public figure, having appeared in modeling campaigns and commercials.

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