New Delhi: A recent post on the official X page of Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division has gone viral, alleging that money is being sought from international partners for additional loans following significant losses caused by adversaries. In the face of rising conflict and a stock market collapse, we call on global partners to assist in reducing tensions. Country called to stay resolute.
The X post of the official handle of Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division 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 post also tagged official account of the World Bank and put hashtags like "#IndiaPakistanWar" and "#PakistanZindabad." The post has now been removed from the official X handle of Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division.
Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division | X, Screengrab
PIB India's hilarious reaction to the post has been taking rounds on internet. The Press Information Bureau (PIB)'s India page on X has posted a meme, a stillshot from a movie Golmaal, with the iconic dialogue "Ye Koi Tareeka Hai Bheek Mangneka?" text in the frame.
Pakistan's Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that they did not permit the post on X and are working to disable the compromised account. The fact-checking unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the hacking allegations, branding the disputed post as "fake news." During the continuing crisis, Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division has requested additional financial assistance from international allies to lessen the effects of the "enemy's" actions.
Many social media users, including PIB, mock Pakistan's financial requests before its upcoming IMF meeting, as the country faces an economic crisis with forex reserves dwindling to $15 billion. In contrast, India's economy is rapidly growing, projected to reach $3.88 trillion by 2024, far surpassing Pakistan's $0.37 trillion economy. Pakistan seeks a new $1.3 billion loan from the IMF via its Resilience and Sustainability Facility, with a critical meeting scheduled for May 9 to assess its funding eligibility, according to report by Financial Express. Additionally, Pakistan reported significant losses tied to India's Operation Sindoor amid a stock market decline, claiming its official X account was hacked after backlash. India is concerned that IMF aid could inadvertently bolster Pakistan's military intelligence linked to terrorism.
