When a young reporter went viral for squealing during her “live coverage” from a rocking boat in a flood zone, many people believed BBC Urdu had found its latest and most eccentric correspondent. However, it was soon revealed that Mehrunnisa wasn’t reporting for the British Broadcasting Corporation at all, but for a different outlet called “Bhai Bhai Channel.”
Amid the ongoing devastation in Punjab, where multiple rivers including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab have experienced increased water flow from heavy rains and releases from India, social media users found a humorous moment in Mehrunnisa’s reporting. The video started with the “BBC Urdu News Punjab TV” reporter trying to cover the floods with a serious tone, saying, “As you can see, the water pressure is rising.” But within seconds, she broke character, letting out an unfiltered squeal and admitting, “We’re terrified, the boat keeps tipping from one side to another, we can’t balance.” She concluded her report with the line that cemented her viral fame: “Just pray for us, guys.”
The logo on her microphone, which read “BBC Urdu,” led many to believe she was reporting for the international media outlet. Following the video’s viral spread, BBC Urdu issued a statement to clarify the situation. “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 said. “The BBC has no connection whatsoever with this organization or its reporters, nor has it authorized the use of its name in this manner,” it added, distancing itself from the digital platform and the reporter. The British broadcaster also warned its audience to be wary of impostors and to “first verify the presence of any content published under the BBC’s name on the BBC’s official platforms.”
Unfazed by the situation, Mehrunnisa—now a viral sensation—offered her own clarification. “People say we copied BBC, but we didn’t,” she said. “Their BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation, and our BBC stands for… Bhai Bhai Channel.” She concluded her statement with the same mix of panic and pride.
‘Bhai Bhai Channel’ Shut Down Following BBC’s Copyright Complaint
Viral reporter Mehrunnisa has since revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation filed a copyright complaint with YouTube and TikTok, resulting in the shutdown of her social media platforms. Speaking to Geo News, she confirmed that her accounts were taken down due to BBC’s copyright complaints.
Following the shutdown of her channels, Mehrunnisa made an appeal to the BBC to withdraw the strikes. “It’s my appeal to the BBC to take back the strikes issued on my channels on YouTube and TikTok,” she pleaded. “Our accounts have been shut down over a copyright strike. We are a small, Lahore-based channel. We have worked hard on it. We have no competition with you. Please restore us,” she added.
