Dire Food Insecurity Threatens Millions in Pakistan, UN Report Reveals

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A recent United Nations report has highlighted a severe food crisis in Pakistan, revealing that over 11 million people are facing acute hunger, with approximately 1.7 million in "emergency" conditions—just one step away from famine. The findings come from the Global Report on Food Crises 2025, issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on May 16.

The report indicates a troubling 38% increase in the number of food-insecure individuals since 2024, particularly impacting impoverished regions like Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Factors contributing to this crisis include extreme weather events, ongoing poverty, and political neglect, with nearly 22% of the affected population facing starvation after devastating floods.

The Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate in certain districts has exceeded 30%, a figure deemed life-threatening by global health standards. Despite some minor improvements compared to last year, the outlook remains grim, as climate volatility continues to disrupt livelihoods and access to clean water, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeks to elevate Pakistan’s standing internationally, the stark reality of the food crisis challenges his governmental efforts.

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