Syed Ali Shah, Monitoring Desk–
A young reporter named Mehrunnisa has become an internet sensation after her quirky flood coverage went viral — but not for the reasons many first believed.
In a video that spread rapidly on social media, Mehrunnisa was seen covering the Punjab floods from a small rocking boat. At first, she tried to maintain a serious tone, warning viewers: “As you can see, the water pressure is rising.” But within moments, her composure broke as she squealed: “Bohat dar lag raha hai, kabhi yeh iss side hoti hai kabhi uss — balance nahin ho raha humse (We’re terrified, the boat keeps tipping from one side to another, we can’t balance).”
Her candid sign-off — “Bas aap hamare liye dua karein, guys” (Just pray for us, guys) — instantly made her a social media favorite, with many calling it “cute reporting” amid the devastating floods.
However, what really caught people’s attention was the logo on her mic, which read “BBC Urdu”. This led many to believe that the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Urdu Service had hired a new, rather unconventional correspondent.
But the truth soon came out: Mehrunnisa was not reporting for BBC Urdu at all. She was actually on duty for Bhai Bhai Channel, a lesser-known digital media outlet.
The mix-up gained so much traction that the real BBC Urdu had to release a statement clarifying the matter.
“It has come to our attention that a digital media company called BBC Urdu News Punjab TV is operating in Pakistan while using the BBC’s name,” the statement read.
“The BBC has no connection with this organisation or its reporters, nor has it authorised the use of its name in any way.”
The clarification put an end to the confusion but didn’t stop Mehrunnisa from becoming one of the most talked-about figures online during the ongoing floods.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that multiple rivers in Punjab, including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, are in high flow due to heavy rains and water releases from India. At least 30 people have lost their lives in the calamity, even as a lighthearted viral moment from Bhai Bhai Channel gave citizens something to smile about in difficult times.
