Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Pakistan Faces Severe Food Insecurity Crisis
Pakistan is facing a serious problem with not having enough food.
A new report shows that about one in four Pakistanis, which is around 61 million people, do not have reliable access to food.
This means they might not have enough to eat or might have to eat lower-quality food.
The situation has gotten worse over the past few years, with the number of people facing severe food insecurity doubling.
This is not just about hunger; it also affects people's health and ability to work.
Children are especially at risk, as not having enough food can affect their growth and learning.
The report says that this problem is a big risk to Pakistan's health and economy.
Pakistan's food insecurity crisis is a growing public health and economic risk, with 24.35% of the population facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024–25.
Severe food insecurity has more than doubled from 2.37% in 2018–19 to 5.04% in 2024–25, affecting about 12.6 million people.
Moderate food insecurity means households cannot reliably access sufficient food, leading to poor diet quality and micronutrient deficiencies.
Severe food insecurity results in households running out of food altogether, increasing risks of physical illness, mental stress, and long-term health damage.
Children exposed to food insecurity are at higher risk of stunting, wasting, impaired cognitive development, and weaker educational outcomes.
- Who
- Pakistan's citizens, particularly those facing moderate or severe food insecurity
- What
- A severe food insecurity crisis in Pakistan
- When
- From 2018–19 to 2024–25, with recent data from 'HIES 2024–25'
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- Due to factors such as economic challenges, healthcare costs, reduced labor productivity, and deeper intergenerational poverty
- Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity (2018–19)
- 15.92%
- Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity (2024–25)
- 24.35%
- Severe Food Insecurity (2018–19)
- 2.37%
- Severe Food Insecurity (2024–25)
- 5.04%
- Population Facing Food Insecurity (2024–25)
- 61 million
- Population Facing Severe Food Insecurity (2024–25)
- 12.6 million
