IHC seeks response over non-renewal of Arshad ‘Chaiwala' passport

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought responses from the Director General of Immigration and Passports and the federal government through the Interior Secretary over the alleged delay in renewing the passport of Arshad Khan, popularly known as “Chaiwala.”

The petition was heard by newly appointed IHC Justice Umair Majid Malik.

During the hearing, Arshad Khan’s counsel, Umar Ijaz Gilani, told the court that his client was a well-known entrepreneur who had promoted Pakistani culture internationally.

The counsel said NADRA’s verification board had also cleared Arshad Khan’s identity card, which is currently active.

According to the petition, Arshad Khan applied for renewal of his passport on August 20, 2025. However, despite the passage of nearly a year, the renewed passport had not been issued, the lawyer said.

The counsel further submitted that Arshad Khan had approached the Interior Secretary’s office several times but received no positive response. He also sent a legal notice to the Interior Secretary, but no response was received, the court was told.

The petitioner has requested the court to direct the authorities to issue his renewed passport and declare the withholding of the document unlawful and contrary to his fundamental rights.

Justice Umair Majid Malik remarked, “Let us seek comments first, then we will see.”

The court subsequently issued notices to the respondents and sought their responses on the petition.