New Delhi, August 7: Approximately 63% of Pakistan’s population, equating to around 161 million people, cannot afford even the minimum level of healthy and nutritious food. According to a report, after covering essential non-food expenses like housing, transportation, and utilities, most individuals lack sufficient income to purchase grains, pulses, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious food items.
A report published by The News indicates that in 2025, nearly two-thirds of Pakistan’s population was unable to bear the costs of a minimum healthy diet. Despite having the lowest prices for nutritious foods in South Asia, Pakistan ranks the worst in the region regarding access to healthy meals.
The report also highlights a slight improvement in global hunger levels. In 2025, 7.8% of the world’s population faced hunger, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022.
However, despite a decrease in food inflation from the high levels of 2023, food affordability remains a significant challenge in Pakistan. Analysts suggest that while inflation rates have slowed, the drastic decline in purchasing power due to high inflation has yet to be compensated.
According to the report, real domestic income has dropped by approximately 13% after adjusting for inflation. Meanwhile, the poverty rate has risen from 21.9% to 28.9%, pushing an estimated 25 million additional people below the poverty line.
This impact is evident in people’s eating habits. Between two recent surveys, per capita consumption of 13 out of 14 major food items has decreased. Monthly per capita rice consumption fell by about 19%, pulses by 26%, and milk by 10%, while the combined consumption of mutton, beef, and chicken dropped by nearly 18%.
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