Pakistan is among the most affected countries in the world form acute food insecurity crisis. According to a recent UN report, acute food insecurity in Pakistan is likely to rise in the coming months if the country’s economic and political turmoil intensifies, aggravating the consequences of the 2022 floods.
Economic crisis is the foremost reason among the key causes of food insecurity mentioned in the UN report. With a rising public debt, few foreign reserves, a weakening currency, and high inflation, Pakistan is experiencing a protracted financial crisis. These elements have made it harder for the country to import vital supplies of food and electricity, which has increased food costs and led to widespread power outages. The ability of households to purchase food and other necessities has also been impacted by the economic crisis.
Growing political instability and civil unrest, especially in the run-up to the October 2023 national elections and lagging reforms have prevented the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from releasing a crucial new loan tranche and extra support from bilateral partners. The political instability has also affected the security situation in the country’s northwest, where militant groups pose a threat to peace and stability.
The country is also prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, and locust infestations, which have catastrophic effects on the agricultural industry, food production, and the way of life for millions of people.
The effects of food insecurity in the country are alarming, as they pose serious risks to the health, nutrition, and well-being of millions of people, especially children, women, and vulnerable groups. A recent study found that 82% of Pakistani children have gone without food when they are hungry, and the country has the second-highest prevalence of malnutrition in the region. According to the World Food Program, 43% of Pakistanis lack access to enough food, and the majority of Pakistanis cannot afford to eat nutritiously.
Acute food insecurity is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires urgent attention and action from all stakeholders. There is an urgent need for coordinated and all-encompassing initiatives from the government, humanitarian organizations, development partners, civil society, and the corporate sector to address this crisis in country.
