By Sardar Khan Niazi

Despite the countless promises, policy drafts, and ambitious development agendas, food insecurity remains a haunting reality for millions of Pakistan’s poor. From urban slums to rural heartlands, the daily struggle to secure a single meal is not just about hunger—it’s about systemic neglect, economic disparity, and a government apparatus that continues to fall short on one of the most basic human rights: access to food. According to the Global Hunger Index, Pakistan continues to rank poorly and is categorized as a country with serious levels of hunger. Over 36% of the population faces moderate to severe food insecurity. Malnutrition, particularly among children and women, is widespread, with stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies a tragic norm. Behind each percentage point lies a family struggling with empty plates, unaffordable essentials, and long-term consequences on health, education, and productivity. Ironically, Pakistan is not a food-scarce country. Our agricultural sector–though inefficient–produces enough to feed the population. The problem lies in access and affordability. Food prices have surged due to inflation, climate shocks, hoarding, and supply chain disruptions. The average household’s purchasing power has plummeted. When a family earning minimum wage has to spend over half its income on food, the system is broken. The poor, who live hand to mouth, have little resilience to price hikes. The skyrocketing cost of wheat flour, pulses, vegetables, and edible oil has forced many to reduce their intake, skip meals, or switch to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. In cities, day-wage earners and informal sector workers face the dual burden of job insecurity and food insecurity. In rural areas, climate change has made traditional farming unreliable, with floods, droughts, and erratic rainfall disrupting both crop yields and livelihoods. The Ehsaas and BISP programs offer critical support, but their reach and efficiency need substantial improvement. Targeting mechanisms miss many deserving households. Corruption and political interference mar distribution. Food support schemes during Ramadan or emergencies are often tokenistic rather than transformative. What Pakistan needs is a coherent national strategy that goes beyond short-term relief. Food security must be seen as a pillar of national security and economic development. It requires a multi-sectoral approach: investing in sustainable agriculture, strengthening rural infrastructure, reforming market systems, and building climate resilience. Subsidy programs must be restructured to ensure that the poorest benefit without leakages. Urban food programs–such as subsidized canteens or food banks–should be institutionalized, not left to charity or sporadic government whims. Equally important is the role of civil society, non-profits, and the private sector. Food banks, meal programs, and community gardens are already operating in several cities, but need more support and coordination. Public-private partnerships can help scale these efforts, bring in innovation, and ensure sustainability. Civil society, NGOs, and the private sector can also play a more coordinated role. Public-private partnerships can help improve storage, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure timely delivery of food to vulnerable areas. Awareness campaigns around nutrition and food choices are essential to improve outcomes, particularly for women and children. Ultimately, the political will to prioritize the poor is what remains missing. Food insecurity is not merely about empty stomachs; it reflects the inequities that define our society. Until we address these with sincerity and sustained action, hunger will continue to stalk the poor–silently, shamefully, and stubbornly. Pakistan’s poor have been resilient for far too long. They have endured most of every economic shock, every political crisis, and every natural disaster. However, resilience is not a policy. The time for real action–bold, sustained, and inclusive–is now. Hunger must no longer be a footnote in our national discourse. It must be at the center of our policy, our politics, and our conscience.