By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has reported that its official account on X (formerly Twitter) was hacked, raising concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the country’s digital infrastructure. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, came to light after unauthorized and suspicious posts appeared on the ministry’s verified X handle.
The ministry released an official statement on Wednesday, confirming the breach. “We regret to inform the public that the official X account of the Ministry of Economic Affairs was compromised. Immediate steps were taken to regain control of the account, and the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities for investigation,” the statement read.
While the ministry has not disclosed the nature of the unauthorized posts, screenshots circulating on social media show unusual and off-topic content inconsistent with the ministry’s official communications. Some posts reportedly contained links to dubious websites, while others promoted political commentary not endorsed by the ministry.
The account has since been restored, and all unauthorized content has been deleted. Officials from the ministry emphasized that no internal government systems or databases were accessed during the incident. “This appears to be a breach limited to the X account itself and did not involve any compromise of government servers or confidential economic data,” a senior ministry official told local media.
Cybersecurity Concerns in Government Sectors
The incident has sparked renewed calls for the Pakistani government to strengthen its digital security protocols, especially for high-profile government departments. In recent years, there have been multiple instances of cyber intrusions affecting various institutions, from the Federal Board of Revenue to sensitive law enforcement agencies.
Cybersecurity experts argue that social media accounts of government bodies are frequent targets due to their visibility and influence. “These accounts often have tens of thousands of followers, making them powerful tools for spreading misinformation or disinformation if hijacked,” said Faizan Ahmed, a cybersecurity analyst based in Lahore.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has been informed about the breach and is expected to carry out a forensic audit of the incident. A preliminary assessment suggests the attack may have been the result of weak password practices or phishing, rather than a sophisticated hacking attempt.
Potential Impact on Public Trust and Diplomacy
Given the nature of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which handles international financial negotiations, foreign aid, and development programs, even a brief hijacking of its social media presence could have diplomatic repercussions. Analysts say that such breaches can undermine public trust and potentially confuse international stakeholders.
“The economic affairs ministry plays a crucial role in liaising with international donors like the World Bank and IMF,” noted political analyst Maria Sultan. “A hacked account could easily be used to spread misleading economic policy statements, which might create panic or damage relations.”
The ministry has urged citizens and stakeholders to rely on official press releases and avoid sharing unverified posts. It has also initiated a review of its social media management protocols, including staff training, two-factor authentication, and enhanced monitoring.
Looking Ahead
This latest breach is a wake-up call for all government departments in Pakistan. While the Ministry of Economic Affairs has acted swiftly to address the issue, it underscores a broader pattern of digital vulnerabilities. As the country increasingly relies on digital communication, ensuring the integrity and security of official online channels is more critical than ever.
Experts recommend that government ministries work with cybersecurity professionals to audit existing systems, improve employee awareness of phishing and malware threats, and implement strict access controls for all digital assets.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has promised to keep the public informed as investigations continue. In the meantime, the incident stands as a reminder that in the digital age, even a single compromised account can have far-reaching implications.