Allah Nawaz Khan
Food insecurity in Pakistan is increasing day by day. It has become not only a serious threat to children’s health but also a major challenge to national development. A large portion of Pakistan’s population is facing food shortages, with more than 7.5 million people suffering from severe food insecurity. Reports indicate that nearly 40% of children do not have access to adequate nutrition.
The highest level of food insecurity in Pakistan is found in Balochistan, followed by Sindh. The Thar region of Sindh is the most poverty-stricken, where thousands of children are dying due to the food crisis. Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also facing similar challenges. It is extremely unfortunate that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan is still struggling with food shortages.
One of the major reasons behind this crisis is poor government policies. If proper planning is implemented, Pakistan can overcome food shortages. The situation has worsened compared to the past, and if immediate action is not taken, the future could become even more dangerous.
Wheat is the most commonly consumed staple food in Pakistan, followed by rice and other crops. However, wheat production has declined due to negligence and high cultivation costs, leading farmers to reduce its production. If more attention is given to wheat cultivation, not only can food insecurity be reduced, but the country can also earn foreign exchange.
There are several other causes of food insecurity. Poverty prevents people from affording a balanced diet, while inflation has made food even less accessible. Limited income and rising prices have made it difficult for people to obtain proper nutrition. As a result, many households reduce their food intake to meet other basic needs, which is extremely harmful to human health.
The lack of clean drinking water is another major issue. Even if people manage to obtain food, they often do not have access to clean water, which further damages their health. A decade ago, food shortages were not as severe, but the situation has significantly worsened. According to a 2024–2025 survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the number of households facing food insecurity has increased compared to 2018. A global report, Global Report on Food Crises 2026, has listed Pakistan among the top ten countries facing food crises.
Millions of people in Pakistan only have access to minimal or poor-quality food. Many households consume diets that do not meet basic health standards. Without proper nutrition, individuals cannot reach their full potential, and society moves toward instability. Food insecurity can also lead to social disorder, as people struggling with hunger may resort to desperate actions.
Children are the most affected by food insecurity. Lack of proper nutrition leads to various diseases, and in severe cases, death. Even if children survive, they often suffer from stunted growth, underweight bodies, and deficiencies such as zinc and iodine. These conditions severely impact their physical and mental development.
Infants require breast milk, but if mothers themselves are malnourished, they cannot produce sufficient milk, leaving their children undernourished. Providing proper nutrition to children is essential, and ensuring this is a responsibility of the government. Along with food, access to quality healthcare must also be ensured.
To overcome food insecurity, immediate and effective measures are necessary. Strengthening the agricultural sector can significantly reduce this crisis. Increasing the production of wheat and rice is essential. Another unfortunate issue is the wastage of food—millions of tons are discarded every year. If leftover food is distributed among the needy instead of being thrown away, it can help reduce hunger to some extent.
Access to safe and nutritious food is the basic right of every Pakistani, and depriving people of this right is deeply concerning. While addressing food insecurity is not easy, it cannot be achieved without public cooperation. Both the government and the people must work together to tackle this crisis. Delays will only worsen the situation and increase the damage.
The writer can be reached allahnawazk012@gmail.com
