Urdu Report Desk
Pakistan is among the 10 countries worst affected by the global hunger crisis, with climate disasters, economic difficulties, displacement and declining humanitarian resources worsening food insecurity among vulnerable communities, according to a new report by international aid organisation Action Against Hunger.
The findings were released as Pakistan and countries worldwide marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, 2026. The day aims to promote efforts to eliminate poverty and deprivation while protecting human rights and human dignity.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the occasion, reaffirmed his commitment to taking sustained and concrete measures to eliminate poverty in Pakistan.
He stressed the need to strengthen social protection systems, expand employment opportunities and improve access to education, healthcare and adequate housing.
Pakistan Among Countries Facing Severe Hunger
According to Action Against Hunger’s report, titled “The 10 Biggest Food Crises in the World,” approximately 10.6 million people in Pakistan will require humanitarian assistance during 2026, despite efforts to revive the economy and improvements in some economic indicators.
The report identifies Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Sudan and Syria as the 10 countries most severely affected by food crises.
It warns that persistent poverty, high food prices, rising living costs, limited employment opportunities and declining household incomes are reducing families’ purchasing power and making adequate food increasingly difficult to afford.
Unfavourable agricultural commodity prices and broader economic instability have also undermined livelihoods, leaving millions of people struggling to secure sufficient food.
Severe Hunger Doubles Over a Decade
The report estimates that approximately 177 million people live in the 10 countries facing the world’s most severe hunger crises. It also states that the number of people experiencing acute hunger has doubled over the past decade.
Across 47 countries, around 266 million people are facing severe food insecurity, highlighting the scale of the global crisis.
The report warns that humanitarian needs are exceeding available resources, forcing vulnerable families to adopt harmful coping strategies to survive financial hardship.
These measures include reducing food consumption, selling productive assets and withdrawing children from school because of financial pressure.
Although such steps may provide temporary relief, they can deepen poverty, damage children’s education and nutrition, and weaken families’ ability to recover from future crises.
Climate Disasters Deepen Food Insecurity
Climate-related disasters are identified as a major driver of food insecurity in Pakistan. Recurrent floods, droughts, extreme heatwaves, glacial lake outburst floods and unpredictable monsoon rainfall have damaged infrastructure, reduced agricultural production and disrupted the livelihoods of families dependent on livestock.
Crop losses and prolonged dry spells have increased households’ reliance on markets for food. However, limited purchasing power prevents many families from buying adequate supplies.
The report also highlights continuing drought conditions in several districts, raising concerns about agricultural output and rural incomes.
It warned that seasonal weather conditions could further worsen food insecurity. The period from December 2025 to March 2026 was identified as a time when prolonged cold weather and heavy snowfall could restrict access to markets and essential resources in some areas.
Insecurity and Regional Tensions Add to the Crisis
According to the report, insecurity and regional tensions are placing additional pressure on Pakistan’s already fragile food situation.
In parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, insecurity has disrupted livelihoods, restricted access to markets and created obstacles for humanitarian operations.
Limited access to healthcare, nutrition services, clean water, sanitation facilities and social protection has further aggravated the crisis.
The situation is particularly concerning in rural communities and areas affected by natural disasters, where persistent poverty and acute food shortages are increasing dependence on humanitarian assistance.
Declining Aid Resources Raise Concerns
The report warns that cuts to humanitarian services and livelihood programmes are further weakening communities’ ability to cope with emergencies.
With humanitarian needs continuing to exceed available resources, vulnerable households face growing difficulties in meeting their basic needs.
The report highlights the combined impact of climate disasters, economic hardship, reduced purchasing power and shrinking aid resources, warning that these pressures are intensifying food insecurity among Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations.
