Pakistan pleads for loans from its international allies after provoking India with drone and missile attacks on Thursday night. As Indian troops quickly intercepted and destroyed all the incoming attacks, Islamabad’s economy was dealt another loss. In a plea, Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division posted a message on X seeking emergency financial assistance, attributing “heavy losses incurred due to the enemy.” The account hours later disclaimed the appeal, saying that it had been “hacked.”
This televised turnabout revealed more than military vulnerability. It revealed Pakistan’s increasing credibility gap as it deals with humiliation, economic meltdown, and diplomatic isolation.
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. @WorldBank #IndiaPakistanWar #PakistanZindabad
— Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan (@eadgop) May 9, 2025
Pakistan Fires First, India Strikes Back Instantly
Pakistan started the armed buildup by firing missile and drone strikes late Thursday evening. India struck back instantly. Indian soldiers shot down all incoming missiles and averted any damage or loss of life within the country.
Despite the failed endeavor, Pakistan did recognize the fallout. With stock markets crashing and panic among people on the rise, the government seemed to flounder for a stopgap solution.
Pakistan’s Desperate Call for Financial Assistance
Early morning on Friday, a message from Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division shocked observers worldwide. The message read:
“Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by enemy… we urge international partners to help de-escalate.
The message also called upon citizens to “stay firm.” The tone conveyed desperation and made sure that the situation had gone out of Islamabad’s hands. The international response was immediate. Diplomats and analysts raised questions about whether Pakistan could contain the crisis—both militarily and financially.
Moments Later: Pakistan Cries “Hacked”
Shortly after the post went viral, the Pakistani government changed its stance. The officials informed Reuters that they never sent out the message. Instead, they explained that someone had compromised the Economic Affairs Division’s X account.
This quick denial added fuel to more confusion. The timing and language of the deleted tweet were consistent with the government’s previous tone, making the denial seem weak and suspicious.
Trust Deficit: New Diplomatic Crisis
Aside from the battlefield and economic consequences, the actual harm is in Pakistan’s dwindling international credibility. One minute it openly pleads for funds. The next minute it pretends not to. Such contradictory messages undermine Islamabad’s credibility with friends, donors, and lenders.
With it in need of assistance and conflict resolution, Pakistan seems lost. Inconsistency in communication may cost it much more than any drone attack.
In the future, Pakistan’s cycle of provocation and denial will prove expensive in terms of both friends and money. International lenders love clarity, not confusion. If Pakistan cannot provide a consistent message to the world, it will not be long before it faces the prospect of isolation—militarily, economically, and diplomatically.
