Zayn Malik broke many a teenage heart recently when he announced he'd be leaving the boy band One Direction.

Born to a British Pakistani father, Yaser Malik, and an Irish/English mother Trica Malik, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, the 22-year-old singer made many young Pakistani hearts skip a beat — after all, how many Pakistanis can claim to be global superstars, discovered by none other than X-Factor judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger?

All that changed when Zayn decided to leave One Direction after five years owing to the accusations against him for cheating on his fiancé Perrie Edwards of Little Mix. Although Zayn cleared the air by declaring his love for Edwards on Twitter, it appears that the young lad has had enough of the spotlight when he announced on social media: “I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.”

What with the global mourning taking place over Zayn's departure, the pressing question on everyone's minds is: who's going to take his place?

Given that he's half Pakistani, we can't help but feel adding a Pakistani band mate in his place would help the transition. And we're not shot of eligible celebrities.

So here's our list of which Pakistani celebs should take Zayn's place — and why.

Read: Zayn Malik quits boy band ‘One Direction’

Salman Ahmed — he's available

The former Junoon guitarist is an obvious choice because he really wants to be part of a band. Any band.

"Please let me in."

And we can't see a Junoon reunion happening anytime soon, so One Direction is as good a bet as any.

Salman's been talking about getting his old crew together for a long time. However, his Junoon pals don't seem to be taking the bait. Former lead vocalist for Junoon Ali Azmat is an artist-cum-activist. Brian O'Connell is a dad. That leaves Salman nowhere — at least, until Zayn called it quits.

Sure, Salman might skew One Direction's average age towards the middle-aged demographic, but he still brings a lot to the table — his mad guitar skills, love for cricket (its an Englishman's sport, after all) and a loyal Pakistani fan base.

He'll have to become more fashion forward though. The long hair, the hats... that don't care look isn't going to cut it at all!

Imran Khan — because hair

This is an obvious choice, right? As far as sex appeal goes, you can't go wrong with Imran.

"Let me take you in a Naya Direction."

He's over sixty now and still has the charm, charisma and looks to nab a gorgeous TV presenter. Not to mention all the PTI-supporting aunty's hearts he's melted too. So he's definitely used to female attention, and will fit right in with One Direction's boy-crazy fan base.

Another plus? He's used to performing on stage. In fact, his most recent series of 'concerts' drew thousands out onto the streets, so we know he'll be up to entertaining crowds in the largest arenas.

Of course, we can't forget what's arguably his greatest asset in the race to replace Zayn — his hair. Imran's luscious locks have serious One Direction potential. Here's a picture to prove what we mean:

Zayn reminds us of Imran Khan's jiwani.

And if all else fails we're sure he'll rely on his rhetoric and politiking skills...

Wouldn't you like to see One Direction become Naya Direction?

Arbaaz Khan — totally age appropriate

The chota singer — Oh, we mean Jhoota singer — is used to being surrounded by beautiful women.

Look at those biceps!

After all, he burst on to the scene with his first single, Jhoota which also featured Mathira. In the video he shows off his dance moves, wears big sunnies coz he's so famous and is totally the boss.

Also, Khan is a fairly age appropriate choice. He'll fit right in with the boys!

Ayyan — she's already used to making dollars

Since Ayyan was allegedly leaving the country with $500,000 to shoot a music video, who better to shoot it with than One Direction?

She's probably had enough of jail.

We think after, if ever, she's released from jail, she's going to be searching for a new venture anyway, preferably far, far away from Pakistani customs officials. Win win!

Shahid Afridi — the perfect post-retirement career move

You know what Zayn Malik and Shahid Afridi have in common? They both make women's hearts go boom boom!

He makes you want to go 'Lala.'

The difference? It's hormonal teenage girls for Zayn and middle-aged lawn-crazy aunties for Afridi.

We think its the perfect post-retirement career move for Afridi. He's too flighty to be a coach, can't see him as a commentator either — but pop star? Definitely maybe.

And in case his name, Shahid, is too much of a mouthful for One Direction fans used to current band members' shot 'n sweet names (Liam, Zayn, Louis, etc), he can always go by his cricket moniker: Lala.

It's so musical it makes perfect sense.

Ishratul Ibad — he has rock star aspirations

Although reticent, the current Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishratul Ibad proved himself to be perhaps the most suitable contender after he rocked the stage a few weeks ago in Karachi.

"I feel like Led Zeppelin."

He took to the stage at the 'I Am Karachi' festival and played the electric guitar, and even sang the famous Pakistani anthem ‘Ye Watan Tumhara Hai.’

He's clearly a man of many talents.

Given the recent mess Zayn got himself into, the band would be comfortable working with him because he seldom speaks, is rarely seen (no fingers can be pointed for accusations here) and can woo many when he gets down to his musical business.