Combatting Hunger and Malnutrition in Pakistan

Pakistan, with a population of approximately 241.5 million as of 2023, continues to struggle with widespread hunger and malnutrition despite gradual improvements in its Global Hunger Index (GHI) score. In the 2024 GHI, Pakistan ranks 109th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.9, indicating a "serious" hunger situation. While this represents a decline from previous years, 31.4 in 2008, and 34.6 in 2016, the country still faces significant challenges in ensuring food security for its growing population.

Malnutrition remains a major concern, particularly among children and women. According to the National Nutrition Survey, nearly 40% of children under five suffer from stunted growth, while 17.7% experience wasting, both indicators of chronic and acute malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies are also prevalent, with iron, vitamin A, and iodine deficiencies affecting millions, leading to weakened immune systems, poor cognitive development, and increased maternal and infant mortality rates.

Food insecurity is exacerbated by multiple factors, including economic instability, inflation, and climate change. Rising food prices have made staple foods unaffordable for many low-income households, while extreme weather events—such as floods and droughts—have disrupted agricultural production and supply chains. The devastating floods of 2022, which affected 33 million people and damaged millions of acres of crops, further intensified the food crisis.

Addressing hunger in Pakistan requires comprehensive policy measures, including expanding social safety nets, improving agricultural productivity, promoting climate-resilient farming practices, and enhancing food distribution networks. Targeted nutrition programs, investment in rural development, and strengthening governance mechanisms are essential to ensuring long-term food security and reducing malnutrition across the country.

Key Indicators of Hunger and Malnutrition in Pakistan

Pakistan faces significant challenges in combating hunger and malnutrition, as reflected in its Global Hunger Index (GHI) score. The index is based on four key indicators, each highlighting the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. First, undernourishment affects 20.7% of the population, indicating that a substantial segment of society lacks adequate caloric intake. This issue is particularly alarming given Pakistan’s vast agricultural output. Second, child stunting remains a critical concern, with 33.2% of children under five experiencing hindered growth due to prolonged undernutrition. Stunted growth not only affects physical development but also has long-term cognitive and economic repercussions. Third, child wasting—an indicator of acute malnutrition—affects 10.1% of children under five, reflecting severe short-term food deprivation. Lastly, child mortality stands at 6.1%, with malnutrition being a significant contributing factor to early childhood deaths.

Despite being a major global producer of staple crops, Pakistan struggles with food distribution and accessibility, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The country ranks 8th in wheat, 10th in rice, and 11th in maize production, yet millions remain food-insecure. This paradox is driven by a combination of factors, including political instability, climate change, natural disasters, and post-harvest losses. Poor infrastructure and inadequate food storage facilities contribute to wastage, while inflation and rising food prices make basic nutrition unaffordable for many. Additionally, poverty and lack of awareness about proper nutrition further aggravate the crisis, particularly in rural areas where education levels are low. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policies that improve food distribution networks, enhance agricultural resilience against climate change, and promote nutrition education. Without urgent intervention, hunger and malnutrition will continue to undermine Pakistan’s economic growth, health outcomes, and overall development.

Contributing Factors to Hunger and Malnutrition

Hunger and malnutrition in Pakistan stem from a complex interplay of socio-political, economic, and environmental factors. Political instability has significantly disrupted agricultural productivity and food supply chains. Frequent changes in policies, insufficient funding, and ineffective governance have led to inconsistent agricultural reforms, weak market regulation, and inadequate investment in rural infrastructure. This has resulted in poor food distribution, rising prices, and increased food insecurity, particularly for low-income households.

Inadequate education is another critical factor contributing to malnutrition. A lack of awareness regarding balanced diets, breastfeeding practices, and hygiene leads to poor nutritional choices. Additionally, limited access to proper sanitation increases the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, further straining already burdened healthcare resources. Poor sanitation and contaminated water sources worsen malnutrition by impairing nutrient absorption and weakening immune systems, particularly among children.

Climate change has had devastating effects on food security in Pakistan. The 2022 floods, considered one of the worst climate disasters in the country's history, affected 33 million people, displaced 8 million, and resulted in agricultural losses of $3.7 billion. Around 4.4 million acres of farmland were destroyed, while 0.8 million livestock were lost, severely reducing food production. These climate-induced shocks disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and children, exacerbating malnutrition and poverty.

Post-harvest losses further contribute to food insecurity. Due to inadequate storage, transportation, and handling, an estimated 35-40% of fruits and vegetables go to waste. This leads to a diet overly reliant on grains, with limited access to essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Additionally, large family structures create financial strain on households. With an average family size of 6.30 members, many struggle to afford nutritious meals. Low-income families often rely on high-carbohydrate diets, while women and children receive less food, increasing the prevalence of malnutrition. Frequent pregnancies also contribute to maternal and child health issues, exacerbating the cycle of undernutrition.

National and International Efforts to Combat Hunger and Malnutrition in Pakistan

Pakistan has taken multiple steps to combat hunger and malnutrition, aligning with its Vision 2025 goal of achieving zero hunger. Several government and non-government initiatives are working to address food insecurity, improve nutrition, and support vulnerable populations. One of the most significant programs is the Ehsaas Nashonuma Programme, which provides financial assistance and health support to low-income families. This initiative targets 645,800 pregnant women and 630,000 children under 23 months, offering quarterly stipends of Rs. 1,500 for mothers and boys and Rs. 2,000 for girls. With a total budget of Rs. 32 billion over three years, it aims to reduce childhood stunting and improve maternal health.

Charitable organizations also play a crucial role in addressing hunger. Groups like the Edhi Foundation, Saylani Welfare, and Akhuwat provide free meals and ration packs to underserved communities. These organizations have been instrumental in delivering immediate relief to the most vulnerable populations, particularly during economic crises and natural disasters. In parallel, the government has introduced the Maternal Nutrition Strategy (2022–2027), which focuses on improving maternal and child nutrition by ensuring proper dietary intake during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum stages.

International organizations are also actively supporting Pakistan’s fight against malnutrition. The World Food Programme (WFP) collaborates with the Benazir Income Support Programme to implement the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, targeting pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two in the poorest households. Similarly, UNICEF supports the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program, strengthening health systems to deliver care for severe acute malnutrition. Additionally, Pakistan Bait Ul Mal has launched initiatives like Khana Sab Ke Liye and Shelter Home, providing meals to 16 million people since its inception and 7.68 million since 2021. These efforts collectively aim to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition across the country.

Moving Forward

Pakistan has made some progress in addressing hunger and malnutrition, but persistent challenges require a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening governance is essential to ensuring that food security policies are effectively implemented. Transparent and well-coordinated policies can improve agricultural productivity, enhance food distribution systems, and reduce food price volatility. Investing in modern agricultural techniques, such as climate-smart farming, precision irrigation, and improved seed varieties, can help mitigate the impact of climate change and increase food production.

Education plays a vital role in reducing malnutrition. Expanding nutrition awareness programs, promoting breastfeeding, and improving access to clean water and sanitation can significantly enhance public health. Schools and community-based initiatives must be strengthened to educate families about balanced diets and sustainable food consumption.

Climate change adaptation is also critical. Developing early warning systems, investing in flood-resistant crops, and implementing better water management strategies can reduce agricultural losses caused by extreme weather events.

Collaborative efforts between the government, international organizations, and local communities are necessary for long-term progress. Expanding food assistance programs, enhancing market access for small farmers, and reducing post-harvest losses will further contribute to improving food security.

Conclusion

Efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in Pakistan require a combination of national and international initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity, improving nutrition, and enhancing agricultural productivity. The Pakistani government has implemented several programs, including the Ehsaas Nashonuma initiative, which provides nutritional support to pregnant women and young children, and the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which offers financial aid to low-income households. Additionally, the government has introduced agricultural reforms, such as subsidies for farmers and investments in climate-resilient crops, to strengthen food production and accessibility.

International organizations, including the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNICEF, play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s fight against hunger. These organizations provide food aid, implement nutrition programs, and assist in developing sustainable agricultural policies. Foreign aid and global partnerships have also contributed to improving food security through funding for infrastructure, disaster relief, and capacity-building initiatives.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including political instability, climate change, and economic constraints. Moving forward, a stronger focus on policy implementation, sustainable farming practices, and community-driven solutions is essential. By fostering collaboration between the government, international agencies, and local communities, Pakistan can make significant strides toward eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The author is affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Sindh Agricultrue University Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan and can be reached at kaldeep.kumar@gmail.com

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