The Hunger Games: Pakistan Edition

Desk

[post-views]

Pakistan’s struggle with hunger and malnutrition has been an ongoing problem for several years, and unfortunately, it seems to be worsening. A myriad of factors contributes to this, such as acute food shortages and increasing poverty, both in rural and urban areas. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) ranked Pakistan 92nd out of 116 countries last year, placing it alongside nations with serious levels of hunger. This index reveals that almost 13% of the country’s population is undernourished. Shockingly, at least 7% of children under five years are wasted, and 37.6% are stunted. Tragically, 6.7% of these children die before reaching their fifth birthday. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that 43% of Pakistanis are food-insecure, with 18% of those facing acute food insecurity.

Against this grim backdrop, a UN-backed report paints an even bleaker picture. According to the report, an additional 8.6 million people in rural districts across three provinces faced a severe food crisis in the last quarter of 2022. This situation arose in the wake of the worst monsoon floods that hit the country in over a decade, affecting 33 million people, mostly from poor households.

The recent floods have added to the already existing food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. As a result, Pakistan has faced a food crisis that not only requires immediate attention but also long-term solutions. The government must address the root causes of the issue, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic resources, such as water and healthcare facilities.

Acquire our monthly English and Urdu magazine promptly by accessing the Daraz App hyperlink!

https://www.daraz.pk/shop/3lyw0kmd

Moreover, Pakistan must prioritize agricultural development and modernization. The country has an immense potential to become self-sufficient in food production, but it must make the necessary investments in agriculture. The government must ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary resources. Moreover, the agricultural sector must be linked to the market to provide a fair price for the farmers’ products.

Apart from the government, the private sector must also play its part in addressing this crisis. Businesses must invest in the food and agricultural sector and support small farmers. They must also work towards reducing food waste, which contributes to the food shortage.

Additionally, the international community must increase its aid to Pakistan. The country requires support to cope with the current crisis and build long-term resilience against such disasters. Aid organizations must prioritize malnourished children and provide them with the necessary healthcare, food, and education.

The recent monsoon floods have brought Pakistan’s hunger problem to the forefront. However, it is not a new issue and requires collective efforts to address it. It is time for all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and international community, to work together to ensure that every Pakistani has access to adequate and nutritious food. A well-fed population can only lead to a prosperous and stable country.

Pakistan is grappling with a worsening hunger problem, with acute food shortages and poverty plaguing both rural and urban areas. The country ranks 92nd in the Global Hunger Index, alongside nations with “serious” levels of hunger, and 13% of the population is undernourished. The problem is particularly acute for children, with 7% of those under five being wasted and 37.6% stunted. The situation is further exacerbated by the worst monsoon floods in over a decade, affecting 33 million people from mostly poor households, according to a UN-backed report.

The report highlights that an additional 8.6 million people in the rural districts of three provinces faced a serious food crisis during the last quarter of 2022. The crisis hits especially hard for women and children, who are particularly vulnerable. This growing food insecurity is perhaps the biggest challenge confronting Pakistanis today, and the gravity of the situation is evidenced by the stampedes in different parts of the country during Ramazan, in which several people lost their lives while collecting free wheat flour.

While providing free wheat flour and other staples is a start, it is not enough to win the war against hunger. It is merely a political gimmick. To achieve food security for all, the government must revamp agriculture, control surging prices, curb food inflation, tackle poverty through job creation, encourage private investment, and financially empower women. These are long-term solutions that require sustained effort and investment.

The severity of the crisis demands urgent action from the government. Reports from international agencies and non-profits working in flood-affected areas had been warning of the developing food crisis even before the waters started receding. It is time for the government to take the matter seriously and take concrete steps towards achieving food security for all Pakistanis.

In the nine Sindh districts, 5.2 million people are affected, while 1.8 million are affected in seven KP districts and 1.6 million in 12 districts of Balochistan. This staggering number of people living in food crisis should serve as a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s hunger problem has been worsening in recent years, with acute food shortages and increasing poverty in both rural and urban areas. Despite being ranked 92nd out of 116 countries by the Global Hunger Index, almost 13% of Pakistan’s population is undernourished. The recent monsoon floods have exacerbated the food crisis, with an additional 8.6 million people in rural districts facing serious food shortages. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis.

Providing free wheat flour and other staples is not enough to win the war against hunger. The government needs to revamp agriculture, control surging prices, create jobs by encouraging private investment in agro-based industries, and financially empower women. These solutions will take time to implement, but unless the government starts to deal with the problem, food insecurity and hunger will continue to worsen.

It is time for the government to take bold action and prioritize the issue of hunger in Pakistan. By investing in sustainable solutions and addressing the root causes of food insecurity, the country can pave the way for a brighter and more food-secure future for all its citizens.