Sat Apr 12 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s “Chai Wallah” Fights Deportation, Other News from Pakistan

**Islamabad, Pakistan** – Arshad Khan, the Pakistani internet sensation known as “Chai Wallah,” has filed a high court petition to regain access to his passport and national identity card, fearing deportation amid Pakistan’s crackdown on illegal immigrants. His lawyer argues that a false news report labeling him an Afghan national seven years ago led to the blocking of his documents. The government, however, claims discrepancies in his records prompted the action. Khan’s case highlights the wider issue of deportations impacting thousands of Afghan nationals. At least 8,906 have been deported since April 1st, following a March 31st deadline for Afghans holding Afghan Citizen Cards to leave the country.

**Military Operations and Terrorism:** The Pakistan Army reported killing a “high-value target” militant in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This follows a recent surge in militant attacks since a ceasefire with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended in late 2022.

**Islamabad Airport Pioneers Mental Health Services:** Islamabad International Airport has introduced a new facility for passengers with mental disorders, including a special sunflower ribbon for those with “invisible disabilities,” making it the first airport in Pakistan to offer such services.

**Minerals Summit Attracts International Investment:** A Pakistan Minerals Summit has drawn praise from international companies for its potential to unlock investment in the country’s vast mineral reserves, estimated at $6 trillion. The summit focused on attracting foreign investment into the largely untapped sector, with significant interest shown in the Reko Diq copper-gold mine.

**Pakistan and Turkey Partner in Offshore Oil Exploration:** Pakistan and Turkey have signed an agreement for joint participation in an offshore oil and gas exploration bid round, aiming to attract foreign direct investment and utilize international expertise.

**Pakistan Condemns Israeli Airstrikes in Syria:** Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to condemn Israel’s airstrikes in Syria, citing civilian casualties and violations of Syrian sovereignty. Pakistan called for Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights.

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