Economic ministry’s X account hacked

The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs was hacked on Friday, and a misleading post falsely claimed that the country had suffered major losses and was appealing for international loans amid rising tensions with India.

The post stated: “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.”

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) swiftly confirmed that the post was fake and that the account had been hacked. This clarification came via the ministry’s official fact-checking handle.

The MOIB urged the public to refrain from spreading false information during this crucial time of Pakistan-India escalation and stressed that the Pakistani government had not issued any such statement.

The post sparked immediate reactions from social media users in Pakistan. One user commented, “It looks like the account has been hacked by our cowardly enemy.” 

Another said, “Indians are happy over hacking an account and posting a tweet in their favour. Lost Rafale and were humiliated all over the world. These tactics won’t bring the dignity back. Take care of your Rafale stop embarrassing yourselves, Indians!” 

This cyberattack comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

On the night between May 6 and 7, India launched a military operation targeting multiple areas inside Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The airstrikes reportedly killed 31 civilians and injured 46 others.

These attacks followed the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan but has yet to provide any evidence.

In response, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, according to several international media reports.