A woman named Mehrunnisa became an overnight internet sensation in Pakistan after a video of her dramatic “live report” from a flood-hit area in Punjab went viral. In the clip, she begins with the gravitas of a news correspondent, stating, “As you can see, the water pressure is rising,” before immediately breaking into panicked squeals about the boat swaying and her inability to keep her balance. Her heartfelt plea to viewers, “Bas ap hamare liye dua karein guys (please just pray for us guys),” was hailed as iconic and instantly relatable.
The internet’s lovefest, however, quickly turned into a detective story when sharp-eyed viewers noticed the “BBC” branding on her microphone. Speculation swirled that she might be a new, unconventional reporter for BBC Urdu. The real BBC Urdu was swift to respond, issuing a formal statement to clarify that they had no connection to the channel “BBC Urdu News Punjab TV” and warning the public to be wary of impostors using their name.
Unfazed by the controversy, Mehrunnisa addressed the allegations in a follow-up viral video with unshakable confidence. In the same distinctive voice, she declared, “They say we copied BBC. But their BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation, and our BBC stands for… Bhai Bhai Channel.” This bold and humorous retort won over even more fans, who commended her audacity and quick wit.
Despite the branding confusion, Mehrunnisa’s commitment to her role and her genuine, fear-filled delivery cemented her place in Pakistan’s internet hall of fame. The videos, shared widely at the request of the channel’s owner, sparked a wave of memes and philosophical takes, with one user noting, “balance nahin ho raha hum se — she’s talking about life in Pakistan, not just the floods.” Her blend of unintentional comedy and raw authenticity made her an unlikely but beloved online celebrity.
