In 2016, Arshad Khan, a charming tea seller, became a viral sensation after his photo by local photographer Jiah Ali captured the attention of social media. Fast forward to the present, Arshad has transitioned to an international entrepreneur with a thriving global brand, wittily named Café Chaiwala. In 2020, the former tea-seller inaugurated his venture as a rooftop café in Islamabad.
Arshad recently shed light on his journey and expressed his desire to elevate Pakistan's presence on the global stage, citing a lack of Pakistani brands going international as his motivation. “After making a café in Islamabad, my life would have been spent well, I didn’t need anything else. [But] I wanted Pakistan to gain recognition in the world,” he emphasised that he aimed to create job opportunities while putting Pakistan on the international map.
Speaking about his Café Chaiwala outlet in London's Ilford Lane, the 24-year-old affirmed, “We have finalised agreements for 10 further outlets [in London].”