Pakistan’s government found itself in a diplomatic and economic quagmire after a now-deleted post from the Economic Affairs Division’s X account pleaded for international loans to offset “heavy losses inflicted by the enemy” amid escalating tensions with India.
The post, which also referenced a stock market crash and urged citizens to “remain steadfast,” was swiftly disowned by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, which claimed the account was hacked. This incident, whether a genuine breach or a poorly veiled admission of vulnerability, lays bare Pakistan’s precarious position as it grapples with military defeats, economic collapse, and global humiliation following India’s Operation Sindoor.
A Damning Post Exposes Pakistan’s Weakness
On May 9, 2025, the official X account of Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division (@eadgop) posted a startling message that “Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by enemy. Amid escalating war and stock crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. The nation urged to remain steadfast. @WorldBank #IndiaPakistanWar #PakistanZindabad.” The post, which tagged the World Bank and used inflammatory hashtags, triggered a firestorm of reactions, with Indian media and X users mocking Pakistan’s apparent desperation.
The phrase “heavy losses inflicted by the enemy” referred to India’s strong retaliation under Operation Sindoor, during which it downed over 50 Pakistani drones and neutralized an air defense system in Lahore amid a failed missile and drone attack on Indian military sites on May 7–8.
The post mentions a “stock crash,” aligning with reports of Pakistan’s economic freefall, exacerbated by airspace closures and the costs of its ill-fated military escalations. Pakistan’s economy, already dependent on IMF bailouts, appears to have buckled under the weight of its own aggression, prompting what many see as a humiliating plea for global handouts.
The “Hacked” Claim: A Convenient Excuse?
Within hours, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, via its fact-checking account (@FactCheckerMoIB), declared the Economic Affairs Division’s post a result of hacking, labeling it a “FAKE TWEET ALERT” and urging the public to disregard it. The ministry’s swift disavowal, however, has done little to quell skepticism. Posts on X from outlets like @moneycontrolcom and @eOrganiser described the hacking claim as a frantic attempt at damage control, with users questioning how a government account could be so easily compromised at such a critical juncture.
This is not the first time Pakistan has resorted to questionable excuses to deflect criticism. The regime’s credibility is already strained by Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s debunked claim of shooting down five Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, a statement mocked globally after he cited “social media” as evidence. The alleged hack of the Economic Affairs Division’s account fits a deflection pattern, raising doubts about whether the post was a genuine breach or an accidental leak of Pakistan’s dire situation.
India’s Upper Hand: Military and Diplomatic Triumphs
Pakistan’s loan plea comes amid rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan-backed terrorism. India’s Operation Sindoor and counter-drone strikes have highlighted Pakistan’s military vulnerabilities, with Indian defenses foiling attacks on 15 cities and Harop drones reportedly destroying air defense systems, including in Lahore.
India’s diplomatic offensive has been equally relentless. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s terrorism links at an IMF board meeting, while India has threatened to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and opposed Pakistan’s IMF loan requests. These moves have isolated Pakistan economically and diplomatically, with even traditional allies like China maintaining a cautious distance. The U.S., through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has urged Pakistan to end its support for terrorist organizations, further cornering the regime.
A Nation on the Brink
Whether the X post was a hack or a desperate plea, it has exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities to the world. Its economy, crippled by military failures and global isolation, can ill afford further conflict. The stock market crash, airspace disruptions, and mounting losses from India’s counteroffensives paint a picture of a nation teetering on collapse. Pakistan’s leadership, caught between denial and desperation, faces a stark reality that its decades-long policy of sponsoring terrorism has backfired, leaving it militarily humiliated and economically bankrupt.
As India continues to assert its dominance, Pakistan’s options dwindle. The international community, wary of its track record, is unlikely to rush to its aid. The hacked account saga, far from being a mere embarrassment, may well be a glimpse into Pakistan’s unraveling—a nation undone by its hubris.
