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........

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