Last Updated:May 10, 2025, 13:57 IST
Gul Panag took a sharp dig at a Pakistani journalist celebrating Pakistan’s IMF loan approval, reminding him that India hasn’t needed IMF assistance since 1993.
Gul Panag mocks Pakistan’s celebration of a $1B IMF loan, reminding them India paid off its dues in 2000.
Actor, entrepreneur, and political activist Gul Panag took to social media on Friday to deliver a sharp, sarcastic takedown in response to a Pakistani journalist who celebrated the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan granted to Pakistan. With her trademark wit, Gul reminded the journalist—and the internet—exactly where India stands when it comes to IMF bailouts.
The comment came after Pakistani journalist Shahbaz Rana posted on X (formerly Twitter), “In a humiliating defeat for India, the IMF executive board has approved $1 billion second loan tranche. India unsuccessfully tried to block the approval by the IMF board.”
Gul quote-tweeted him with biting clarity, “Sir, congratulations on another loan. With respect, we don’t need that money. You do. FYI, we have not taken any financial assistance from the IMF since 1993. Repayments of all the loans taken from the International Monetary Fund were completed on 31 May, 2000.”
Sir, congratulations on another loan. With respect, we don’t need that money. You do.FYI, We have not taken any financial assistance from the IMF since 1993. Repayments of all the loans taken from International Monetary Fund have been completed on 31 May, 2000… https://t.co/jKS7v26bWQ
— Gul Panag (@GulPanag) May 10, 2025
Her tweet quickly went viral, striking a chord with many who criticized the celebration of yet another loan disbursement. According to the IMF, the disbursement—part of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF)—was approved after a successful review of Pakistan’s economic reform program, unlocking approximately $1 billion in aid.
India, however, strongly opposed the move, citing Pakistan’s continued involvement in cross-border terrorism. New Delhi warned global institutions of the reputational risks involved in supporting regimes that destabilize the region.
The IMF’s official statement read, “IMF Board approved the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform program under the EFF, enabling a disbursement of ~$1 billion, reflecting strong program implementation which has contributed to continuing economic recovery.”
The exchange comes at a time of heightened tension between the two nations. India recently launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike mission targeting nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives in April.
In retaliation, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple drone and ceasefire violation attacks across the Western border and the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 8 and 9. The Indian Army successfully intercepted the drone strikes and responded firmly to the CFVs.
“The Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation,” said an official statement.
Gul Panag, who first rose to fame as Miss India and later as a breakout star in films like Dor and Manorama Six Feet Under, is known for her candid social media presence and strong political views. A licensed pilot, fitness icon, and a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, she’s never shied away from calling it like it is.
She was last seen in the most recent season of Prime Video’s acclaimed series Paatal Lok, and once again, she’s proving that her voice carries weight both on and off screen.
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