In a bizarre and chaotic turn of events, the Economic Affairs Division Pakistan found itself at the center of global attention after a surprising post appeared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The now-deleted message made a desperate plea for international loans following intensified military tensions with India. Just hours later, the ministry claimed the account was “hacked.” But by then, the damage was already done, raising eyebrows across political and financial circles.
Let’s break it down, piece by piece — the post, the denial, the underlying economic desperation, and the ever-growing heat between India and Pakistan. Buckle in, because this story is loaded with geopolitical drama, economic uncertainty, and digital chaos.
What Exactly Happened on X?
Late Friday, the verified handle of the Economic Affairs Division Pakistan posted a rather alarming message that felt like a digital cry for help. The post 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.”
This post sent shockwaves through the media, signaling that the situation in Pakistan might be even more fragile than previously believed. However, just as the speculation started peaking, the ministry came out with a denial.
“We Were Hacked,” Says Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division
Within hours of the post going viral, officials rushed to clean up the mess, stating:
“We are working to have the Twitter (X) switched off.”
They claimed the post was unauthorized, and the account had been “hacked.” Whether or not that’s true, one thing is undeniable — the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Let’s Talk About the Money (Or the Lack of It)
The elephant in the room? Pakistan’s ongoing financial crisis.
Even without a hacked post, it’s no secret that Pakistan is in desperate need of funds. The country is currently the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s fourth-largest debtor, with an outstanding debt hovering around USD 8.8 billion. That’s not pocket change.
The Economic Affairs Division Pakistan is responsible for managing external debts and coordinating with global lenders. So when their official X handle starts posting loan requests, it sends out a strong signal — and not a good one.
Moody’s Rings the Alarm
Just days before the so-called hacking, Moody’s had already raised red flags. The rating agency warned that if tensions with India keep escalating, it could severely derail Pakistan’s:
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GDP growth
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Fiscal consolidation efforts
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Overall macroeconomic stability
In short, Pakistan’s fragile economy can’t afford another conflict.
India Strikes Back: Operation Sindoor
The tension flared after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed several Indian security personnel. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor — a strategic offensive involving drone and missile strikes on nine terror infrastructure targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
This bold move sent a clear message: India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan’s Response: “We Will Retaliate”
Predictably, Pakistan vowed a “befitting reply.” But what exactly does that look like when your economy is gasping for breath and foreign reserves are dangerously low?
It’s a high-stakes poker game — but Pakistan might be playing with borrowed chips.
India’s Firm Stance: No Compromise on Sovereignty
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, addressed the escalating situation with gravitas:
“India has always acted responsibly and believes in dialogue. But if anyone mistakes our restraint for weakness, they will face quality action.”
He added that India is fully prepared for future contingencies, leaving no room for ambiguity.
May 7–8: Failed Attack from Pakistan Thwarted by India
On the night of May 7-8, Indian armed forces intercepted a massive drone and missile offensive originating from Pakistan. The targets? Multiple Indian military installations across the North and West.
Thanks to India’s robust air defense systems, the threat was neutralized. Even more impressively, India managed to take out Pakistan’s air defense system near Lahore in a swift counterstrike.
Digital Warfare: The New Battlefield
What’s becoming increasingly obvious is that wars aren’t just fought on land or in the air anymore. They’re fought online — on social platforms, in media narratives, and even through a single tweet.
Whether or not the Economic Affairs Division Pakistan account was truly hacked, the incident exposed how fragile state-run digital communications can be — and how quickly misinformation can spiral out of control.
So, What’s Really Going On with Pakistan’s Economy?
So, What’s Really Going On with Pakistan’s Economy?Let’s not sugarcoat it. Pakistan’s economy is hanging by a thread. Here’s a snapshot of the financial woes:
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Foreign exchange reserves are depleting.
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Inflation is sky-high.
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Power outages and shortages plague industries.
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Foreign direct investment is drying up.
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Debt repayments to global institutions are looming.
And through all this, economic affairs division Pakistan is tasked with keeping the country afloat financially. No wonder a desperate plea — hacked or not — slipped through.
The Bigger Picture: Crisis Management or Panic Mode?
Pakistan is juggling multiple crises — economic, political, and now military. The controversial X post, whether genuine or fake, reflects the enormous pressure on the system.
In moments like this, governments usually double down on diplomacy, unity, and financial planning. But right now, it feels like panic mode has taken over the control room.
Final Thoughts: Was It Really a Hack or a Cry for Help?
Let’s be real — if the account was hacked, it was an oddly well-informed hacker. The post reflected real financial conditions, real military tensions, and real fears within Pakistan.
And even if it wasn’t an intentional post from the ministry, it spoke volumes about the underlying turmoil.
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Conclusion
The Economic Affairs Division Pakistan might have tried to brush off the incident as a cyber intrusion, but the message struck a chord. Pakistan is walking a tightrope — one misstep, and it could tip into economic free fall or military escalation.
As India remains resolute and Pakistan scrambles to save face (and finances), the region watches with bated breath. And while digital posts can be deleted, their impact — just like a missile — can’t be undone.
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