IHC seeks govt response over Arshad Chaiwala’s passport

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought responses from the federal government and the Directorate General

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought responses from the federal government and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports over the reported non-renewal of the passport of Arshad Khan, popularly known as “Arshad Chaiwala.”

Justice Umair Majid Malik heard the petition filed by Arshad Khan, with Barrister Umar Ejaz Gilani representing him in court.

The petitioner’s counsel told the court that Arshad Khan is an entrepreneur who has promoted Pakistani culture internationally.

According to the counsel, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification board has already cleared Arshad Khan’s identity. His Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is also active.

The court was informed that Arshad had applied for renewal of his passport on August 20, 2025. However, despite the passage of nearly a year, the renewed document had allegedly not been issued.

The lawyer said Arshad had repeatedly contacted the office of the interior secretary to resolve the matter but had not received a satisfactory response.

He also informed the court that a legal notice had been served on the interior secretary. Despite the notice, no response was reportedly received.

Arshad has asked the high court to direct the authorities to issue his renewed passport without further delay.

His petition also seeks a declaration that the continued failure to issue the passport is unlawful and violates his fundamental rights.

During the hearing, Justice Umair Majid Malik observed that the court would first obtain the position of the relevant government authorities before examining the matter further.

The IHC subsequently issued notices to the Director General Immigration and Passports and the federal government through the interior secretary.