ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded the second-highest hunger level in South Asia, trailing only Afghanistan, according to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, underscoring persistent challenges related to food insecurity and malnutrition.
The report, published on the GHI website, assigned Pakistan a score of 25.5, placing the country in the “serious” hunger category.
Afghanistan recorded a higher score of 28.6, while the regional average for South Asia stood at 23.5. The global GHI score was reported at 18.1.
Despite its poor regional standing, Pakistan has made progress over the longer term. Its hunger index score declined from 36.2 in 2000 to 25.5 in 2026, indicating an improvement in the country’s overall hunger situation.
Pakistan ranked 106th among 122 countries for which sufficient data were available to calculate the 2026 index scores.
Malnutrition indicators remain concerning
The Global Hunger Index assesses hunger using four key indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and under-five mortality.
Undernourishment measures the proportion of the population unable to obtain sufficient calories. Child stunting reflects chronic undernutrition among children under five, while wasting indicates acute undernutrition based on low weight relative to height. The fourth indicator measures the proportion of children who die before reaching their fifth birthday.
According to the report, 16.1 per cent of Pakistan’s population is undernourished, while 33.6 per cent of children under five suffer from stunting.
The findings further show that 9.8 per cent of children under five experience wasting, while the under-five mortality rate stands at 5.6 per cent.
These indicators highlight continuing concerns over access to adequate nutrition and the health and development of young children.
Inflation outlook adds to economic concerns
The hunger report comes amid projections of rising inflation in Pakistan.
In its World Economic Outlook released on Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast that Pakistan’s inflation rate would increase to 9.9 per cent in fiscal year 2026-27, compared with 7.1 per cent in 2025-26.
The projected increase in inflation could add to concerns over household purchasing power and the affordability of essential goods, including food.
