Pakistan’s Zohran Mamdani? Internet can’t stop comparing politicians

As New York City celebrates its first South Asian mayor following Zohran Mamdani’s victory, the politician has been widely praised for his progressive economic vision and commitment to the working class. Inspired by his rise, Pakistani social media users began debating who could be considered the “Mamdani of Pakistan,” drawing comparisons among local politicians.

Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) recalled their incarcerated leader, Imran Khan, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) followers praised Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab though many noted that, apart from their youth, the two shared little in common.

Some X users pointed out that Nawaz Sharif also began his political career at a young age, similar to Mamdani.

As party supporters competed to declare their leaders as Pakistan’s version of the New York mayor, others highlighted that Mamdani’s appeal lies not only in his young age but also in his politics, global influence and integrity.

However, many netizens quickly noted that Pakistan’s political parties often lack a clear vision and frequently compromise democratic values for self-preservation.

Critics also underscored the absence of genuinely progressive politics in the country, pointing to poor implementation of development plans and unfulfilled promises.

When Bilawal Bhutto compared his party’s manifesto to Mamdani’s progressive ideals, he faced backlash, as users accused the PPP of lacking internal democracy and failing to deliver on key issues such as infrastructure, education, and social justice during its years in power.

https://t.co/8U8OA4cxwz pic.twitter.com/6H3A7OmG9C

— shahan. (@xzydc) November 5, 2025

CM Punjab at the age of 35. Zohran not the first good looking young guy to take power. pic.twitter.com/gdDlK2sNqv

— Jasir Shahbaz (@LahoreMarquez) November 5, 2025

Because Zohran Mumdani brings about the long overdue “Generational Change”.

Its called Tabdeeli in Pakistan, but …

Pakistan’s Mamdani is in jail. https://t.co/CBt4Pwog3F

— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) November 5, 2025

What’s the similarity here, again?

Zohran is 34. IK is 73.
Zohran is a minority. IK is an elite Sunni male (privilege personified).
Zohran fought against the establishment. IK came to power because of it.
Zohran is a leftist. IK is right wing (call it center-right if you want) https://t.co/SSOIS5Wknl

— Saman Tariq (@stariq88) November 5, 2025

unpopular opinion but I think Junaid Safdar could be Pakistan’s Zohran Mamdani. He’s young, well educated, from an influential family and also got the looks and youth of Pakistan can resonate with him pic.twitter.com/aGZCF9xIDP

— yang goi (@GongR1ght) November 5, 2025

🚨🚨🤣Biggest PTI delusion is to connect Zohran to Imran. Aside from being young enough to be his grandson, part of Zohran's appeal was his skill in showing humility, authenticity, grace & tact. Tht's the opposite of Imran who is a convicted, dishonest, corrupt and sadist lunatic https://t.co/UrZNwv8EZC

— Dan Mir (@DanMir_musings) November 5, 2025

mamdani is a minority in his country, your nana constitutionally declared a minority non-muslim in ours. you’re not the same. https://t.co/VuxzXTYbsX

— maryam (@maryamful) November 5, 2025

A 34 year old saying he will bring generational change is plausible. People claiming a 73 year old represents generational change hardly adds up. 🤔 https://t.co/RTmBdtSxfc

— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) November 5, 2025