As Pakistan battles massive floods that have left parts of the country submerged — particularly in Punjab, following the devastation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan — frustration is growing over the government’s lackluster response. Citizens and local observers have criticized authorities for offering little more than photo-ops, with no meaningful efforts made to assist those affected by the disaster.

Amid this national emergency, a young Pakistani journalist has unexpectedly gone viral for her unique and somewhat comedic approach to covering the flood crisis. Mehrunnisa, a field reporter based in Lahore, was reporting live from Shahdara — one of the worst-hit areas in the provincial capital — when her flood coverage captured the attention of the internet for reasons no one anticipated.

In a video now widely circulated on social media, Mehrunnisa can be seen aboard a small boat as she attempts to report on the rising water levels. However, what stood out more than the information she shared was her visible fear, expressive reactions, and dramatic tone. Her voice quivered as she delivered her piece, and at one point, she appeared genuinely terrified by the water beneath her.

Her expressions, accent, and the mix of fear and determination turned the clip into unexpected comic relief amid an otherwise heartbreaking situation. The video quickly gained traction online, with many users praising her bravery while also poking fun at the theatrical nature of her reporting.

“Journalism peaked here,” one user wrote, sharing the clip with laughing emojis. Another commented, “Why did she go reporting if she was this scared?” A third joked, “Lahori bhi hoon aur bahadur bhi hoon” (I’m Lahori and brave too), referencing her accent and attitude.

While some have criticized the unserious tone in the midst of tragedy, others have defended Mehrunnisa, calling her a symbol of resilience. “She was scared, but still doing her job — that’s courage,” one supporter wrote.

Mehrunnisa has yet to publicly respond to the viral fame, but her video has sparked conversations not just about disaster reporting, but also about how ordinary reporters, often underprepared and under protected, are placed in dangerous situations for the sake of coverage.

As the floodwaters continue to rise and the government struggles to provide relief, Mehrunnisa’s viral moment remains a stark, if humorous, reminder of the chaos on the ground.

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