Pakistan Ministry’s X Account Posts ‘Loan Request’ Amid India Retaliation; Government Claims It Was Hacked
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, a bizarre twist unfolded on Friday when Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs claimed its official X (formerly Twitter) account had been hacked. This came shortly after a post appeared from the handle appealing for international loans in the wake of India’s recent military retaliation.
The now-deleted message read: “Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast.”
Shortly after the post went viral, the ministry distanced itself from the statement. “We are working to have the Twitter (X) switched off,” officials told Reuters, insisting the account had been compromised.
Though the ministry claims the post was unauthorized, it struck a chord with many observers familiar with Pakistan’s fragile economic state. The country currently owes around $8.8 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), making it the IMF’s fourth-largest debtor. Earlier this week, credit rating agency Moody’s warned that prolonged military escalation with India could further derail Pakistan’s economic recovery, potentially impacting its fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability.
The backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. In the early hours of May 7, Indian forces launched a series of precision drone and missile strikes, targeting nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan responded with strong words, promising a “befitting reply.” What followed was a failed attempt by Pakistani forces to target several Indian military installations with drones and missiles on the night of May 7–8. Indian air defence systems intercepted the attacks, and one of Pakistan’s air defence setups in Lahore was reportedly neutralised.
Speaking at an all-party meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made India’s position clear: the country will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty. “India has always acted with restraint and responsibility, and we prefer resolving issues through dialogue,” Singh said. “But if anyone mistakes our restraint for weakness, they will face a decisive response.”
He added that India is fully prepared for any future confrontations and will continue to act in the nation’s best interest.
As both military and diplomatic tensions rise, and strange online incidents add to the uncertainty, the region remains on edge—with no sign of immediate de-escalation.
