On May 9, 2025, a post appeared on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, appealing to international partners for more loans due to “heavy losses inflicted by the enemy” and urging help to de-escalate escalating tensions. The post also mentioned a stock market crash and called for national steadfastness.
Shortly after the post gained attention, the ministry claimed that their X account had been hacked and that they did not author the message. A spokesperson stated, “We are working to have the Twitter (X) switched off,” emphasizing that the ministry had no connection to the post.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Meeting
This incident coincided with a crucial meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board to decide on the next installment of a $7 billion loan agreed upon last year. Pakistan remains one of the largest debtors to the IMF, with an outstanding debt of approximately $8.8 billion.
The timing of the post and its content raised questions about Pakistan’s economic stability amid rising tensions with India, especially following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Fact Checker also labeled the tweet as “fake” and confirmed that the account was hacked.
As of now, the post has been deleted, and the ministry continues to investigate the incident.
