The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Pakistan has confirmed that its official X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked on Friday, May 9, 2025. A spokesperson for the ministry has assured the public that the posts currently visible on the account do not reflect the official stance or views of the ministry. The hacker shared content that the ministry has explicitly stated it does not endorse, including a controversial post related to recent tensions between Pakistan and India.
The incident has raised concerns over the security of high-profile accounts, especially those belonging to government institutions. According to the spokesperson, the ministry is actively working to disable the compromised X account to prevent further unauthorized posts. “We are working to have the Twitter (X) switched off,” the spokesperson told Reuters. They also emphasized that the ministry did not tweet the content and that the views expressed in the hacker’s post are entirely misaligned with the ministry’s official position.
This breach is yet another example of cybercrime targeting sensitive accounts for misinformation purposes. The hacker’s post regarding Pakistan-India relations is particularly troubling, as it could potentially escalate tensions between the two neighboring countries. Government agencies, especially those dealing with economic and diplomatic matters, are often prime targets for cyberattacks aimed at manipulating public perception or sowing discord.
Cybersecurity experts have weighed in on the matter, highlighting the growing risks posed by hacking incidents in the digital age. The hacking of a government’s social media account not only disrupts the communication channel but also undermines the public’s trust in official statements and communications. This attack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors, especially in highly sensitive sectors like government affairs.
While the ministry works to resolve the situation, they have urged the public to disregard any further posts from the hacked account. The ministry is also coordinating with cybersecurity authorities to investigate the breach and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to strengthen the security of its social media accounts moving forward.
Cybersecurity specialists emphasize the importance of robust protection systems for government accounts, especially when sensitive geopolitical topics are being discussed. The hacker’s ability to gain control over an official government account underscores the critical need for tighter security protocols and real-time monitoring of such accounts to prevent future incidents.
The incident also brings to light the broader issue of cyberattacks against governmental institutions in Pakistan and worldwide. Governments must take proactive steps to safeguard their digital presence, as such breaches could lead to more significant consequences, ranging from misinformation to international diplomatic conflicts.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has reassured the public that they are taking immediate steps to regain control of the hacked account and to prevent further malicious activity. They remain committed to maintaining transparency and credibility in their communications.
As of now, the hacker’s motives remain unclear, but experts suggest that the growing frequency of such cyberattacks may indicate a rising threat to national security, especially concerning sensitive political and economic topics. The ministry’s response to this attack will likely set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity in the public sector.
