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Following his historic win in New York City’s mayoral elections, Zohran Mamdani is taking Pakistani social media by storm, as users compare the new mayor to popular Pakistani actors:

Ever since the doppelganger stories went into the overdrive on social media, Junaid Khan and Arslan Naseer-two of the busiest stars hailing from Pakistan-weighed in on it.

Resharing a post that highlighted Mamdani’s resemblance to the actor of the drama Kamzarf, Junaid Khan said: “Hopefully will get some VIP treatment when in New York next,” and he playfully hoped for special recognition in the city presided over by his lookalike.

Arsalan Naseer responded more humorously to a comparison forwarded by another social media user, joking that “Yeah, guys, it’s true he’s my cousin”. “Congrats, Pakistan, we now have a cousin as NYC mayor,” the tweeter further said, reflecting the light-hearted manner in which Pakistanis joined the meme-storm.

It underlines how Mamdani has been gaining traction among Pakistani audiences of late. The 34-year-old Mamdani is the youngest person to be elected mayor of America’s largest city. Born in Uganda into a family of Indian origin, he shifted to the United States at age seven and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.

Mamdani’s election is widely seen as historic not only for his age but also because of his progressive platform and representation of minority communities in a city known for its diversity. The comparisons with Pakistani actors reflect the fascination among audiences because of his appearance, along with a sense of cultural connection despite the large distances between them.

Reactions on social media have run the gamut from hilarious memes and jokes to statements of pride, with people claiming to be somewhat familiar with the face of the new mayor. Junaid Khan and Arsalan Naseer participated in these discussions with personal touches that furthered online interest in their reactions.

Although the resemblance is coincidental, the light-natured exchange does reflect the awareness of Mamdani’s rise to political prominence. Observers note that such social media chatter can be an informal conduit between cultures, linking Pakistani fans with international political developments in a most relatable and engaging way. The increasing recognition of Zohran Mamdani in Pakistan is the testament to how media and social platforms amplify the visibility of international figures, foster connections that transcend national boundaries, and provide audiences with moments of entertainment and shared curiosity.

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