Islamabad: Nearly one in four households in Pakistan is grappling with food insecurity, with the poorest segments of the population facing a significantly higher risk, according to the latest findings from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM)-Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024-25. The survey underlines the stark disparities in food access across different income groups and regions, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions to bridge these gaps.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the survey highlights persistent vulnerabilities despite modest improvements in national food access over time. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) module of the PSLM-HIES 2024-25, covering 32,814 households nationwide, indicates that around 24-26% of households experience moderate or severe food insecurity. These challenges are exacerbated by underlying economic inequalities, with the poorest quintile facing food insecurity at nearly five times the rate of the wealthiest households.

Provincial disparities are also pronounced, with Balochistan recording the highest prevalence of food insecurity, followed by Sindh. In contrast, Punjab consistently shows the lowest incidence, reflecting varying levels of agricultural productivity and market integration. The survey points to income instability and affordability as key drivers of food insecurity, rather than a shortage in national food supply.

The findings underscore the urgent need for income-targeted and region-specific interventions to address food insecurity, particularly in poorer provinces. The data reveal that food insecurity has become a structural condition for many households, with income growth lagging behind inflationary pressures on essential food items. As a result, even as national food production stabilizes, economic exclusion continues to leave a significant proportion of the population vulnerable to food stress.

In conclusion, the PSLM-HIES 2024-25 results frame food insecurity as a critical poverty and inequality issue, advocating for policy responses that enhance purchasing power and provide direct support to the most affected households.