Pakistan faces South Asia's worst hunger crisis as food prices surge

Pakistan's performance on the 2026 Global Hunger Index marks a significant deterioration, placing it at the bottom of South Asian rankings as the country grapples with compounding economic and environmental pressures. Rising food prices have emerged as a primary driver of the worsening hunger crisis, straining household purchasing power and limiting access to nutritious meals across vulnerable populations.

The confluence of economic challenges and climate-related shocks has intensified food insecurity across Pakistan and the broader South Asian region. Recurring climate disasters have disrupted agricultural production and supply chains, further exacerbating food availability and affordability issues. These pressures have contributed to an estimated 218 million individuals across South Asia experiencing undernourishment during the 2023-2025 period.

Addressing the crisis will require coordinated efforts to strengthen food security infrastructure and build agricultural resilience. Policymakers are being urged to prioritize strategies that enhance access to affordable, nutritious food while simultaneously improving farming practices to withstand climate extremes. Without prompt intervention, analysts warn the region faces a deepening humanitarian challenge as climate variability and economic instability continue to constrain food systems.