UN assessment says 7.5 million in Pakistan grappling with acute hunger crisis

A new assessment by the United Nations has warned that 7.5 million people in Pakistan are facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition following a year marked by monsoon floods, prolonged drought and rising militant violence.

According to the latest findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, around 1.25 million people are projected to experience “emergency” levels of acute food insecurity between December and March 2026. These conditions are characterised by severe food consumption gaps and high levels of acute malnutrition.

The report stressed that immediate, life-saving assistance is essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe for more than one million people currently classified in the emergency phase.

Lingering impacts of the 2025 monsoon floods, ongoing drought and localised insecurity have severely undermined agricultural and pastoral livelihoods. Production losses, market disruptions and weakened coping mechanisms have compounded the crisis.

Seasonal pressures have further deepened vulnerabilities. The lean season from December to February has reduced farm labour opportunities and household incomes, while harsh winter conditions in some areas have restricted access to food and livelihoods.

Food access has been constrained by weak purchasing power, heavy reliance on markets, price volatility and rising household debt. Wheat flour has emerged as a particular concern during the lean period.

The analysis, covering 45 vulnerable areas and roughly 15% of the country’s population, shows stark regional disparities. Balochistan bears the highest proportional burden, with 25% of the assessed population facing high or worse levels of food insecurity.

In Sindh, more than three million people are experiencing severe food insecurity. In districts such as Musakhel, Zhob, Kachi, Tank and Torghar, nearly 30% of residents fall into at least high food-insecurity phases.

Looking ahead to April through September 2026, the report projects that 6.7 million people will face high or worse levels of food insecurity, reflecting a decline of approximately 855,000 compared to the current period.

While elevated staple food prices, climate-related risks, insecurity and cross-border trade disruptions are expected to persist, seasonal factors such as winter crop harvesting and Eid-related livestock sales may offer temporary relief.

However, the assessment cautioned that the apparent year-on-year improvement should be interpreted carefully, as geographic coverage has narrowed from 68 districts last year to 45 this year. Rates of acute malnutrition are expected to remain broadly unchanged.

To bridge food consumption gaps and protect vulnerable communities, the report called for expanded access to adequate and nutritious food through cash and voucher support, alongside targeted in-kind food distributions.