Introduction: Alleged Hack of Pakistani Accounts Stirs Tensions
Image Source – The Week
In a surprising twist on the morning of May 9, 2025, two official X accounts of Pakistani government entities—the Economic Affairs Division (@eadgop) and Karachi Port Trust (@official_kpt)—posted messages admitting heavy losses from Indian military actions. These posts didn’t last long; Pakistani authorities deleted them swiftly and claimed a hack, with the @eadgop account later vanishing entirely. Set against the backdrop of the intensifying India-Pakistan conflict following India’s Operation Sindoor, this incident suggests a cyberattack aimed at sowing misinformation, possibly with the intent of weakening Pakistan’s morale.
Background: India-Pakistan Conflict Intensifies with Operation Sindoor
It all got started with a devastating terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were brutally murdered. India pointed the finger at Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, launching Operation Sindoor in response—a series of precise strikes targeting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with missiles and naval forces. Key strikes near Karachi Port set off explosions, sending shockwaves along Pakistan’s coast. Indian officials described it as a “measured and defensive” move to neutralize threats, but tensions between these nuclear-armed neighbors have soared.
Since then, heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) has claimed civilian lives, while economic ripples—like stock market dips and the closure of 24 Indian airports for civil use—have added to the strain.
Details of the Alleged Hack: Pakistani Government Accounts Targeted
On May 9, 2025, Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division (EAD), which handles foreign aid, and Karachi Port Trust (KPT), a linchpin for the nation’s cargo traffic, saw their X accounts breached. Here’s what the posts said:
- @eadgop: “Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast. @WORLDBANK #IndiaPakistanWar #PakistanZindabad”
- @official_kpt: “Karachi Port has sustained heavy damage following a strike by India resulting in unacceptable loss of property. Emergency response efforts are underway. Updates on restoration will be provided regularly. We stand resilient. #IndianNavyAction #IndiaPakistanWar #KarachiPort”
Within hours, the posts were gone—deleted by officials who called them hacked content. The @eadgop account disappeared soon after. Such admissions of weakness, even if fabricated, could chip away at Pakistan’s image of resilience and economic stability.
Analysis: Cyberattack Highlights India’s Digital Warfare Capabilities Amid Conflict
Given the timing and wording of the hacked posts, this looks like a calculated move to spread disinformation and rattle Pakistani morale. The hashtags—#IndianNavyAction and #IndiaPakistanWar—echo India’s narrative of decisive action, hinting at its ability to wield digital tools as part of a broader strategy.
However, this incident could reflect India’s rising strength in digital warfare, bolstered by investments in initiatives like the National Cyber Security Policy and the Defence Cyber Agency. That said, pinning it on India without hard evidence feels premature—the culprits might not be who they seem.
Evidence and Speculation: Who Launched the Cyberattack?
The #IndianNavyAction tag in the KPT post raises eyebrows—it aligns so neatly with India’s military storyline. Yet, without solid proof, who’s behind it remains up in the air. It could be Indian cyber operatives, sure, but third-party actors or even internal Pakistani dissenters aren’t out of the question. Pakistan’s quick deletion of the posts and the @eadgop account’s removal expose gaps in its cybersecurity setup—weaknesses that critics say leave it ripe for exploitation. So, while the timing and framing point to a cyberattack, it’s not a done deal; other players might just be stirring the pot.
Conclusion: Cyberattack Strengthens India’s Position in Hybrid Warfare
The alleged hacking of Pakistani X accounts on May 9, 2025, deepens the complexity of this conflict. Whether orchestrated by India or someone else, it shines a spotlight on cybersecurity’s critical role. By laying bare Pakistan’s losses—real or not—the incident may have tipped the scales in India’s favor, shaking Pakistan’s confidence. As this rivalry plays out across physical and digital battlegrounds, it’s clear stronger cyber defenses are a must in today’s hybrid warfare landscape.
Key Citations:
X handles of @official_kpt and @eadgop
Operation Sindoor: India’s Pakistan Targets
Operation Sindoor Highlights: Civilian Casualties
Operation Sindoor: Precision Strikes
