Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has taken a dig at the Pakistani government for appealing for financial aid from international partners. This comes in the wake of what Pakistan calls "heavy losses inflicted by the enemy".
The situation unfolded with Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division reportedly posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, seeking loans from international partners. The post cited the ongoing conflict and a stock market crash as reasons for needing financial assistance. However, this post was quickly followed by claims from Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that the account had been hacked and the post was fake.
The PIB, the Indian government's official press agency, joined in on the online commentary, in response to Pakistan seeking funds from international partners ahead of a key International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting. The PIB's response and other social media users mocking Pakistan’s appeal.
Pakistan's appeal for financial assistance comes at a time when the country is facing a severe economic crisis. Its reliance on IMF loans is high, with foreign exchange reserves reportedly down to $15 billion. Pakistan is seeking a $1.3 billion loan under the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The timing of this request, amid ongoing conflict, has raised concerns.
India's Foreign Secretary has stated that previous IMF loans to Pakistan have indirectly funded military intelligence operations, including groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). There are concerns that the current request could be used to fuel cross-border terrorism activities against India.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated recently, with reports of attacks on military installations and cross-border firing. India has claimed to have effectively used its air defense systems to thwart attacks from Pakistan. Pakistan has claimed that five Indian jets, including Rafale aircraft, had been downed. The PIB has debunked claims of downed Indian jets, clarifying that the images circulating online were from previous incidents.
