ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, organized a seminar titled “Harvesting Hunger: A Looming Food Crisis in Pakistan” to assess the growing risks of food insecurity in the country, driven by fertilizer shortages and ongoing geopolitical instability in the region. Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President IRS, cautioned that the global community is not paying adequate attention to the rapidly intensifying food crisis. He highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf region, noting that it accounts for 30–35% of global urea trade, while nearly 30% of the world’s fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical chokepoint with far-reaching implications for global food supply chains. Ms. Isabel Bogorinsky, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Head of Program in Pakistan, emphasized the vital role of international non-governmental organizations in strengthening food security in Pakistan.
