Key Takeaways
- Pakistan among 10 countries most affected by global hunger crisis.
- 10.6 million people in Pakistan need humanitarian assistance by 2026.
- Climate-related disasters and economic instability exacerbate food insecurity.
Pakistan is among the 10 countries most affected by the global hunger crisis, according to a new report by international humanitarian organisation Action Against Hunger. The report, 'Ten Largest Global Food Crises,' highlights that an estimated 10.6 million people in Pakistan will require humanitarian assistance in 2026.
Persistent poverty, high food inflation, and rising living costs continue to erode families' purchasing power, making it difficult for millions to afford adequate food. Unfavourable agricultural prices and broader economic instability have further undermined livelihoods, leaving millions struggling to meet their basic needs.
The report warns that these measures may provide temporary relief but can deepen poverty, undermine children’s education and nutrition, and weaken families’ ability to recover from future shocks. Limited access to healthcare, nutrition services, clean water, sanitation, and social protection is compounding the crisis, particularly in rural and disaster-affected areas.
Climate-related disasters remain a major source of food insecurity in Pakistan. Recurrent floods, droughts, heatwaves, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and increasingly erratic monsoon rainfall have damaged infrastructure, reduced agricultural production, and weakened livestock-dependent livelihoods. Crop losses and prolonged dry spells have increased households’ reliance on markets for food, a time when many families have limited purchasing power.
Several districts are experiencing prolonged drought conditions, adding to concerns about agricultural output and rural incomes. The lean season from December 2025 to March 2026, characterised by extended winter conditions and heavy snowfall, is expected to worsen food insecurity by restricting access to markets and essential resources.
Insecurity and regional tensions are adding another layer of pressure to Pakistan’s already fragile food security situation. Localised insecurity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continues to disrupt livelihoods, restrict access to markets, and hamper humanitarian operations.
The report cautions that seasonal hardships can intensify these pressures, making the situation even more challenging for vulnerable communities. As humanitarian needs outstrip available resources, vulnerable households are increasingly resorting to damaging coping strategies, including cutting food consumption, selling productive assets, and withdrawing children from school to cope with financial pressures.
