TV bosses in Pakistan have come under scrutiny after a reality show contestant drowned during filming.

Authorities have confirmed Saad Khan, 32, perished while performing a challenge on the as yet untitled programme, which was being filmed in the Thai capital of Bangkok.

He was swimming across a lake wearing a heavy backpack when he disappeared underwater, leaving horrified contestants and emergency crews fighting to find him in the murky depths. His body was later recovered by a team of divers.

The incident occurred on 19 August (09) but it was not announced until Khan’s body had been returned home to the southern Pakistani city of Karachi.

Thai police are currently investigating the incident and plans to air the reality show have been put on hold.

The news comes just three months after a contestant in the Bulgarian version of Survivor died following a heart attack during filming in the Philippines.