Pakistan ministry’s X account seeks 'loans' as India retaliates, govt later claims it's 'hacked'

Pakistan's economic affairs ministry claimed its X account was hacked. The account had appealed to international partners for more loans.

Updated on: May 9, 2025, 11:20:57 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Pakistan’s ministry of economic affairs on Friday claimed that its official X (formerly Twitter) account had been hacked, after a post appeared seeking international loans in light of escalating tensions with India.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (REUTERS)

“We are working to have the Twitter (X) switched off,” the ministry told news agency Reuters, clarifying that they had not made the post in question.

Also Follow | India Pakistan live updates

The message from the handle had read: “Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflected by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast."

However, it is clear that Pakistan's economy is in the doldrums. Pakistan is the IMF's fourth-largest debtor with an outstanding debt of approximately USD 8.8 billion. On Monday, Moodys' warned that sustained escalation in tension with India could hurt Pakistan's growth, impact its fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability.

Also Read | Chandigarh, Patiala on alert day after India thwart Pakistan's missile-drone attack

In retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out the missile and drone strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on early Wednesday.

Following the strikes, Pakistan vowed to give a "befitting reply".

Also Read | X's Global Affairs account withheld in India after 'block 8,000 account' request

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, defence minister Rajnath Singh said no limit will become an obstacle to protect India's sovereignty and the nation is fully prepared for such responses.

The defence minister said India has always played the role of a responsible nation exercising great restraint and it believes in resolving issues through dialogue.

"However, if anyone tries to take advantage of this restraint, they will face quality action," he said.

"We are fully prepared for such responsible responses in the future as well," he said.

On Thursday, Indian armed forces successfully neutralised Pakistan military's attempts of a large-scale drone and missile attack on multiple Indian military installations across Northern and Western India during the night of May 7-8, and an air defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.