Experts Warn of Severe Food Insecurity in Pakistan by 2030

Pakistan faces a looming food crisis, with experts predicting that up to half the population could experience food insecurity by 2030.

The warning came during a two-day symposium on “Climate Change, Agriculture, Human Nutrition, and Development in Pakistan,” hosted by the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Pakistan (SDSN).

Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta of Aga Khan University (AKU) highlighted that 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture relies on the vulnerable Indus River system. He warned that glacial melting and erratic rainfall patterns are pushing the country toward severe food shortages.

Experts also raised concerns over malnutrition and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, who comprise a significant portion of the agricultural workforce but have limited decision-making roles.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Education Commission, announced plans to establish a national platform uniting experts in health, agriculture, and food security to address climate challenges collaboratively. Other experts proposed solutions such as biotechnology to boost crop yields and cost-effective climate investments to mitigate risks.

Dr. Bhutta urged immediate action, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies. “Addressing climate change requires evidence-based approaches and innovative collaborations to secure a sustainable future,” he stated.