ISLAMABAD: Around 4.7 million people faced food crisis or worse in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtun­khwa from April to June this year, according to a report released on Monday.

The ‘Global Report on Food Crises 2022’ said the figure — which was 26 per cent of the analysed population — included one million people in urgent need and reflected the impact of high food and fuel prices on poor households, as well as drou­ght in Balochistan and Sindh.

Pakistan is experiencing a growing debt crisis, significant currency depreciation and a record food inflation, re­­ducing households’ purchasing power, the report said.

According to the update, the number of people in crisis or worse or equivalent — those requiring urgent humanitarian assistance — is forecast to reach up to 205.1m in 45 countries.

The update pointed out that even though many communities had received assistance, the number was up by 29.5m, as compared to 2021-22, suggesting the need to surpass current support and capacities.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2022