Arshad Khan, 18, was photographed pouring tea at Islamabad's Sunday Bazaar by photographer Javeria Ali.

Ms Ali, who posted the fateful picture on 14 October, anticipated the global response, writing simply: "Hot-tea" and signing off with a wink.

Thousands of lovestruck Twitter users quickly shared the picture, swooning over his piercing eyes, and #ChaiWala began trending across social media.

Days later, Mr Khan shot his first modeling campaign.

Fitin.pk, an online shopping site based in Islamabad, rushed to sign Mr Khan up and is already using pictures of him modeling menswear.

A message on its website and Facebook page reads: "Chai wala is not more chai wala now he is fashion wala!"

Pakistan's Express Tribune reportedly tracked the tea seller-turned celebrity down at his usual workplace. Asked if he was aware of his global fame, Mr Khan replied humbly: "Yes, I am aware of my newly found fame and I am incredibly happy. My friends have been showing me pictures since this morning."

(BBC News)