Food security is a critical component of Pakistan’s national security. As a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, Pakistan faces numerous challenges in sustaining its food production and supply. When a nation is unable to ensure a stable and sufficient food supply for its population, it sets off a chain reaction of negative impacts that can destabilize the economy, create social unrest, and leave the country politically vulnerable.

Food security refers to a country’s population having equal access to nutritious food. Unfortunately, the opposite is occurring in Pakistan. Recent data illustrates the severity of the food security crisis in Pakistan, which demands immediate attention. According to a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 18 million Pakistanis are currently suffering from inadequate access to quality and nutritious food.

The economic perspective is critical in Pakistan’s food security. Since a large portion of GDP is dependent on agriculture and agriculture related products, the adverse effects of climate change have a direct negative impact on the economy. This can be attributed to a variety of factors. The agricultural sector employs over 43% of the national workforce. This sector has witnessed declining productivity due to shifting rainfall patterns and water scarcity. As a result, any disruption in food production or access to resources can cause widespread unemployment and poverty, hindering economic progress.

The reconstruction projects required for the adverse climate change effects also put heavy constraints on the overall GDP. These projects include a variety of efforts such as developing renewable energy sources and improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. Not to forget the recent floods in Pakistan which cost almost 2.2 percent of the GDP. The recovery and reconstruction needs of floods are estimated to be 1.6 times the anticipated national development expenditure for fiscal year 2023.

Food insecurity can have a negative impact on the overall economy. The Asian Development Bank estimated that Pakistan could face a cumulative loss of up to 9% of GDP by 2050 due to climate change impacts. One of the biggest consequences of insufficient local food production is a greater reliance on imports. As Pakistan struggles to meet its domestic food demand, it will have to import more food from other countries. This places a pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves because it must devote a considerable percentage of its resources to importing basic commodities such as food.

It is also crucial to recognize the link between food security and political stability. As evident from various historical examples, conflicts and political instability often arise due to food shortages or unequal distribution of resources. Food scarcity has been a significant contributor to social upheaval in Pakistan, as it has been in many other countries. When communities face a lack of access to nutritious food, desperation sets in, leading to heightened tensions and potential violence. As a way of survival, people may resort to illicit activities or engage in civil disturbance.

Pakistan’s population continues to rise rapidly, putting enormous strain on the country’s already limited resources and agricultural area. Inequitable resource distribution exacerbates the problem. Large segments of the population are impoverished and lack access to nutritious food, while a small sector enjoys abundance. This stark difference creates an environment of social unrest. This extreme gap not only breeds resentment but also fuels feelings of injustice and inequality among marginalized groups.

In turn, these grievances can ignite political instability. When people feel that their government is failing to meet their demands and concerns they tend to become more tempted to protest or even engage in acts of civil disturbance. Political instability can have far-reaching consequences if it is driven by resentment about resource inequality. It can undermine economic growth and development as investors become hesitant to invest in a politically unstable environment. This lack of investment further prolongs the cycle of resource inequality, as economic opportunities become limited for those already marginalized.

Recent statistics on food security in Pakistan highlight the critical need for coordinated action to overcome the current difficulties. Promoting food security is not only important for individual well-being, but it also plays an important role in enhancing national security. Pakistan can address the numerous difficulties connected with food insecurity by investing in agriculture, improving access to resources, and enacting sustainable policies. To protect the nation’s stability and prosperity, the Pakistani government must prioritize policies that address and reduce the risks associated with food insecurity.