Pakistan worst hit by hunger in South Asia
• Economic instability erodes household purchasing power; heavy rains, floods trigger acute crop losses • South Asia remains in the ‘serious’ category; global hunger rises after two decades ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded the highest score in South Asia on the 2026 Global Hunger Index released on Wednesday, reflecting a worsening food security crisis driven by economic instability, climate shocks…
Pakistan emerged as the most affected country in South Asia, as revealed by the 2026 Global Hunger Index released on Wednesday, according to the report. The index, co-published by several organizations, highlighted how economic instability and climate shocks are exacerbating food insecurity in the region, with Pakistan and Afghanistan's situations worsening since 2018.
The report noted that undernourishment in Pakistan had risen from low in 2018 to medium levels, while child wasting had also increased. Child stunting, though declining in Pakistan, remained high in Afghanistan. Both countries had moved from the alarming to the serious category since 2000. The report warned of the persistence of high levels of acute food insecurity across the region, attributed mainly to heavy rains and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and adverse weather conditions in Afghanistan.
Globally, hunger is on the rise, with the 2026 score at 18.1, up from 17.6 in 2018. The crisis is fueled by state-based armed conflicts, extreme weather events, and disruptions in global supply chains, including fuel, transportation, and fertiliser costs. Additionally, a decline in international spending on food security has exacerbated the situation, leading to cuts in aid programs and emergency rations.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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