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July 19, 2025 – Pakistan –

A harrowing moment during live TV coverage in Pakistan has gone viral, capturing a reporter being swept away by powerful floodwaters near Chahan Dam in Rawalpindi’s Koh Sulaiman region. Footage shows Ali Musa Raza, reporting for Rohi-TV, wading into neck-deep water to convey the severity of the disaster when the increasing current overwhelmed him, dragging him under the surface while the broadcast continued.

The incident occurred amid relentless monsoon rains that have battered Pakistan since late June. The downpour has claimed at least 116 lives, 54 in Punjab province alone and injured more than 250 people nationwide. Widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted essential services have increased the urgency for accurate reporting.

Reactions online were swift and divided. Some praised Raza’s dedication to frontline reporting, viewing his willingness to risk personal safety as courageous journalism. Others criticised the incident as reckless, questioning whether the footage was pursued for ratings rather than responsibility. One social media user commented that the act was “true field reporting,” while another cautioned against risking life for viewership.

Although the outcome after the broadcast cut off was not immediately clear, available reports indicate Raza managed to exit the waters without serious injury. Regardless, the footage has sparked urgent calls for stronger safety protocols for journalists covering disasters. It has also intensified discussions on media ethics—balancing the public’s right to real-time information with ensuring the well-being of news personnel.

As Pakistan continues to combat unprecedented monsoon flooding, the incident underscores the grave risks faced by journalists in frontline disaster zones and highlights the need for responsible reporting practices and effective protective measures.