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Pakistanis Struggle: 60% Can't Afford Healthy Food
4 Oct
Summary
- Over 60% of Pakistanis cannot afford a healthy diet.
- Agrifood system overhaul needed to combat malnutrition.
- Supply gaps for nutritious foods persist across the nation.
The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a stark warning regarding Pakistan's agrifood system, revealing that over 60% of its citizens cannot afford a healthy diet as of October 4, 2026. This widespread inaccessibility to nutritious food fuels high rates of malnutrition and contributes to the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases.
The FAO's assessment underscores a critical imbalance where the availability of staples like grains and sugar exceeds healthy dietary needs, while essential food groups such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes are in short supply. To address this, the agency advocates for comprehensive policy actions. These include enhancing consumer demand for healthy options, updating national dietary guidelines, implementing fiscal measures like taxes on sugary drinks, and improving food labeling.
Furthermore, the FAO recommends reorienting agricultural policies to prioritize the production of nutrient-rich foods. This involves greater incentives for food processors to improve safety and quality, and support for the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Investments in retail infrastructure and cold chains are also crucial to reduce food losses and ensure that healthier, safer, and more affordable foods are accessible to all Pakistanis.
The agency emphasizes that enabling equitable access to diverse, nutritious, and safe foods is a policy imperative for Pakistan's national development. The proposed reforms aim to create a sustainable agrifood system that supports the health and well-being of the population now and in the future.
