Pakistanis turn minister into meme over India remark, ask him 'kya phoonka'

A statement by Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, where he claimed that "India couldn't tolerate Pakistan's growing economic growth", has triggered a meme feast, with many people making fun of him and asking what did he "smoke" before making such a ludicrous statements.

Naqvi, who also alleged India of "spreading terrorism" on Sunday claimed that "India couldn't tolerate Pakistan's growing economic growth", reported Such News.

"The world must see how the country that claims to be the largest democracy is using terrorism to achieve its objectives," Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

Naqvi's statement followed a slew of diplomatic measures announced by India against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, that was orchastrated by Islamabad. New Delhi's countermeasures included the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading ties with Pakistan, among others.

What followed was an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, with both some Pakistani leaders even issuing nuclear threats.

'BRO HIGH', PAKISTANIS ASK THEIR MINISTER AFTER INDIA STATEMENT

Reacting to Naqvi's statement, Pakistanis started making fun of him many asking what did he smoke before claiming such a thing.

"Kya phook kar aesi statement dete hain? (we all know what it is)," Reddit user BeginningSeaweed8944, wrote. Replying to which another said, "Yes we do".

"Bro, high on something?" asked another Reddit user, Easy_Struggle_380.

While one Reddit user posted, "He is joining the meme gang by making such laughable statements," another user, SupermarketHot3576, said, "Now that is the bestttt meme".

"He's himself a meme," replied another person.

PAKISTAN'S ECONOMY IS IN DOLDRUMS

Then, another user reminded Naqvi of Pakistan's financial situation, saying, "Hamari economy ko to khud lose motion laga hua Hain".

Naqvi's comparision remark showed his ignorance of Pakistan's economic condition, and that of India too.

Pakistan's per capita income stands at $1,300 which is less that of India's, which is $2,500.

The economic landscape in Pakistan has been grim. Inflation is soaring at 38.5% (May 2023) and is causing significant distress to the underprivilaged. The economy is struggling with negative growth, and foreign exchange reserves have dwindled to $3.7 billion (April 2025), covering just about two weeks of essential imports.

In September 2024, the Monetary Fund (IMF) bailed out the ailing economy and approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for the beleaguered Pakistan's economy. However, even the IMF's assistance has still not been enough to propel growth in Pakistan's economy.

Islamabad is required to repay over $22 billion in external debt in the financial year 2025, including nearly $13 billion in bilateral deposits, according to American credit rating agency, Fitch.

Pakistan faces a double challenge: mounting economic pressures and persistent political instability, which is together threatening the country's progress.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists opened fire and killed at least 26 people on April 22. Following the attack, India announced a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.