Vice President J.D. Vance’s Surprising Popularity in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD — Vice President J.D. Vance has unexpectedly captured the attention of many in Pakistan.
His recent visit to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran last weekend has led to him being “spotted” at various local eateries, bustling markets, mosques, and tourist attractions, all thanks to AI-generated images.
“It’s like swapping a podium for a piyala,” joked a tea merchant from Chai Theory, referencing a photo of those cute little cups used for tea across Central Asia. This image included a digitally created version of the vice president, which has sparked a wave of humorous memes in the U.S., now seen in local businesses across Pakistan.
One such meme features Vance enjoying a large slice of the famed “anda paratha,” a beloved breakfast fare served at the Quetta Kakar Hotel. It’s an amusing image, especially considering he dressed up as this meme version of himself last Halloween.
Some of the AI images circulating on social media even depict a hopeful vision of peace after successful negotiations with Iran. One particularly striking image shows Vance at a table, flashing a peace sign while being embraced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragushi.
In a whimsical twist, an amusing couple is illustrated sitting across from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi serving tea in the background.
“To appreciate the sense of humor here, let me just say: ‘If we could monetize humor, we could pay off all our IMF loans,’” joked X user Jehanzeb Iqbal, playfully commenting on the country’s economic situation.
The amusing American meme of a plump, wild-haired Vance has made its way into various visuals, humorously replacing the image of Haji Mohammad Nazir, the founder of Perwan Leli, known for the traditional sweet featured on its packaging.
Other memes portray him donning Pakistan’s traditional attire, the shalwar kameez, or zipping around the cities on an electric scooter.
Online posters celebrate these memes as a fun means to showcase Pakistani culture globally.
“Pakistan’s AI meme game outshines any press conference from the State Department,” quipped another user, Farhad Jalal. “This is how we showcase soft power.”
Locals note that the social media frenzy reflects a genuine excitement among Pakistanis about the chance of Vance returning for further discussions with Iran.
“People are looking forward to J.D. Vance’s visit again, hoping Pakistan can play a role in future peace efforts,” Iqbal added.
While the White House remains tight-lipped about whether he will lead another delegation in potential negotiations, anticipation is building for a new wave of memes, especially after President Trump hinted that he might visit Islamabad once a deal is in sight.
“Laughter is a part of our culture. Sometimes it helps to take a lighter approach to serious matters,” shared Rabia Aslam, a resident of Multan. “I’m sure we’ll see a flood of DJT-related memes coming into Pakistan soon.”
