Food and water security in Pakistan.

Byline: MALEEHA SHOAIB - Islamabad

Pakistan is one of the world's largest producers of wheat, rice, livestock and a number of other agricultural products. It is a food surplus country with stable food availability. Food security is poor, however, as access to food is limited by poverty and high levels of inflation. As a result, Pakistan has alarmingly high rates of malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Nearly half of the children living in Pakistan experience stunted growth and most of them suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Although the Pakistani government has taken some steps to reduce food insecurity, such efforts are subject to political whims, economic realities or, in some cases, prove simply ineffective.

Pakistan's water security is also under considerable pressure. Most water sources are over-exploited, due to the...

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