World Food Day: President, PM reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to ensure food security & nutrition

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated their determination to guarantee that every citizen in Pakistan receives adequate, nutritious, and quality food while eradicating malnutrition across the nation.

In separate messages issued on the occasion of World Food Day, both leaders highlighted that Pakistan is taking firm steps toward advancing climate-resilient agriculture and strengthening food supply chains to ensure long-term sustainability.

President Zardari reaffirmed the country’s resolve to collaborate with all stakeholders so that no child remains hungry and every family has access to safe and affordable food.

He remarked that ensuring food security is a collective duty that extends beyond the government, emphasizing that joint action can lead to healthier food systems and a stronger future for the nation.

The president noted that World Food Day has been commemorated globally since 1979 to emphasize the universal goal of ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” he said it reflects the importance of partnership among governments, farmers, communities, and development organizations to achieve global food security.

President Zardari observed that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions, yet food insecurity and malnutrition continue to be serious concerns, worsened by floods, climate disruptions, and rising prices.

He said many families still struggle to afford healthy meals, and undernutrition remains a major challenge for children.

The president added that the federal government, through the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, is actively coordinating with provincial authorities, international partners, and the private sector to promote sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management, and resilient food systems.

He mentioned that relief measures for flood victims, steps to reduce food waste, and productivity enhancement initiatives form a vital part of these national efforts.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the urgent need for both domestic and international collaboration to ensure the consistent supply of safe and nutritious food, particularly as climate challenges intensify.

He said Pakistan stands with the global community in recognizing food as a basic human right and reaffirmed the shared obligation to secure food for all.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life,” he underlined the necessity of cooperation among nations and coordination across all sectors of society, including farmers, policymakers, and institutions.

The prime minister stated that agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security, and the welfare of farmers directly contributes to the prosperity of the country. He said that farmer wellbeing, agricultural development, and capacity-building remain top priorities for his government.

Highlighting the damaging effects of climate change, he pointed out that unpredictable weather patterns and climate-related disasters have disrupted crop yields and placed financial burdens on farmers.

Pakistan, he noted, is implementing an effective plan to mitigate these effects through efficient resource utilization, but broader international cooperation remains essential to combat global climate impacts and prevent widespread food insecurity.

PM Shehbaz also referred to the recent floods that severely damaged agricultural output and disrupted the food supply chain. He assured that the government is fully dedicated to overcoming these losses and adopting corrective measures to stabilize the sector.

The prime minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to addressing food insecurity, confronting the challenges of climate change, and ensuring a sustainable, resilient agricultural framework for future generations.