Punjab flood victim’s outburst on Geo News goes viral, sparks reactions

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 4 September 2025 |  JP Staff Report

A video clip from Geo News featuring a flood victim's outburst has gone viral, showcasing citizens' frustration with inadequate government relief. The clip has sparked discussions about editorial standards and media accountability.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — A video clip, purportedly from Geo News’ 12 pm bulletin on Thursday, has gone viral on social media, showing a flood-affected resident from Kamalia in Punjab province using strong language to voice frustration over the government’s lack of relief efforts. The man can be heard saying: “Our crops and everything have drowned; we have no food. I appeal to the government to think about us, or every year do you have to f…k us.”

The clip triggered widespread reactions online, sparking debates about whether the expletive was deliberately aired or slipped through editorial filters. Senior journalist Amir Mateen added a humorous twist on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that the airing might have been unintentional: “The information is that the shift in-charge at the time was from Lucknow and was not familiar with the Punjabi term. However, the Punjab government suspects that Geo conspired against us. Now the question is: should we issue a rebuttal or just let it go?”

However, in a later bulletin, Geo News apologized for the lapse.

Punjab has been struggling with heavy flooding in several districts, leaving residents desperate for food and shelter. While the clip highlights the raw anger of citizens who feel neglected, it has also raised questions about media responsibility, editorial oversight, and the political sensitivities around critical coverage of the government.