Despite progress, the nutrition and hunger situation remain serious in Pakistan, with a ranking of 109th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index. 

Pakistan is currently ranked as the 8th most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change, as seen during unprecedented floods in 2022. It struggles with high multidimensional poverty. Nearly half of an average household’s monthly expenditure goes towards food and 82 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet.

Women and girls face significant barriers in accessing government services due to deep-rooted social and cultural norms. Nationwide, over 26 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school – more than half of them girls. 

A total 18 percent of children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, and around 40 percent of children are stunted (impaired growth due to malnutrition). 

Record-high food and fuel prices, exacerbated by climate change affecting agriculture and infrastructure, have taken a toll on Pakistan’s most vulnerable people.

Present in Pakistan since 1968, the World Food Programme (WFP) has assisted more than 40 million people. WFP works with the Government and partners to improve food security and nutrition among the poorest households and the most vulnerable communities across the country. 

To complement life-saving humanitarian assistance in emergency contexts and gradually lessen dependence on external assistance, WFP is investing in building long-term resilience through stunting prevention, disaster risk reduction, strengthening of food systems and livelihood activities. 

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What the World Food Programme is doing in Pakistan

Nutrition

WFP continues to improve nutrition through policy and governance support, advocacy, nutrition programmes, fortification, evidence generation and innovation. WFP is partnering with the Benazir Income Support Programme to implement the Benazir Nashonuma Programme – a national stunting prevention programme that targets pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 2 from the poorest households in the country. WFP also partners with some provincial Governments to pilot school-based programmes, treats acute malnutrition, and works with 150 small-scale wheat millers across key parts of the country to produce fortified wheat flour for their customers.

Publications

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In focus

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Partners and donors

Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in Pakistan is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
Government of Pakistan Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Australia Canada China

Operations in Pakistan

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Contacts

Office

Plot no. 1, Diplomatic Enclave No 1, Sector G-5, Islamabad.
Islamabad
Pakistan

Phone
+92-51-8312000
Fax
+92-51-8438251
Email
WFP.Islamabad@wfp.org
For media inquiries
WFP.Islamabad@wfp.org
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