KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed grave concern over the growing crisis of malnutrition, food insecurity, economic hardship and mental health problems across Pakistan, warning that worsening poverty, rising food prices and inadequate social support are putting vulnerable families at serious risk.
In a statement issued on World Food Day 2026, observed under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro expressed profound grief and alarm over recent tragic incidents involving families in Karachi's Bin Qasim and Ahsanabad areas, highlighting the devastating consequences of economic distress, debt and social isolation.
He said that while World Food Day emphasizes the use of science, technology and agricultural innovation to develop sustainable and resilient food systems, the situation in Pakistan reflects a deepening humanitarian and public health emergency requiring immediate government intervention.
Referring to recent international economic and development assessments, the PMA stated that Pakistan continues to face severe poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition due to persistent inflation, repeated economic shocks and longstanding structural challenges.
According to figures cited by the association, Pakistan has the second-highest hunger severity score in South Asia after Afghanistan, exceeding the regional average of 23.5 and the global average of 18.1. More than 33 percent of children under five suffer from stunting, while increasing levels of wasting pose serious threats to children's physical growth, cognitive development and long-term health.
The association warned that rising food prices and declining purchasing power have placed enormous pressure on low-income and middle-class households, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic nutritional, healthcare and housing needs.
Dr. Shoro emphasized that food security, physical health and mental well-being are closely interconnected. He said severe financial hardship, unemployment, indebtedness and social isolation can intensify psychological distress, particularly among families already facing food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Expressing concern over the recent loss of lives involving families, children and educated individuals in Karachi, he stressed that such tragedies should serve as an urgent warning to policymakers about the need to strengthen mental healthcare, social protection and community support systems.
The PMA called upon federal and provincial governments to treat malnutrition, poverty-related distress and mental health challenges as urgent public health priorities.
The association demanded the immediate establishment of dedicated round-the-clock mental health desks, psychiatric emergency services and clinical nutrition support at primary healthcare facilities and tertiary public hospitals to assist vulnerable individuals and families.
It also urged the government to include essential psychiatric medicines, mental health treatment and basic nutritional assistance in publicly funded healthcare services and subsidized social protection programmes.
Dr. Shoro said public awareness campaigns should be launched to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and psychological distress, encouraging people to seek professional assistance without fear of discrimination or social judgment.
The PMA further recommended the establishment of emergency financial and social support mechanisms for families facing extreme debt, food insecurity, unemployment and housing instability.
The association emphasized that preventing further tragedies requires coordinated efforts by political leaders, healthcare professionals, social workers, non-governmental organizations, neighborhood committees and local community representatives.
Dr. Shoro urged community leaders and social welfare institutions to identify and support vulnerable households before financial and psychological difficulties escalate into emergencies.
He said that economic development and technological advancement would remain incomplete unless the basic nutritional and healthcare needs of ordinary citizens were adequately addressed.
The PMA appealed to the general public to remain attentive to individuals and families experiencing severe financial pressure, emotional distress or food insecurity and to extend practical assistance wherever possible.
The association advised people experiencing severe anxiety, psychological distress or financial hardship to seek support from family members, trusted colleagues, healthcare professionals and community support networks rather than suffering in silence.
Dr. Shoro reiterated that protecting vulnerable families, ensuring access to nutritious food and strengthening mental healthcare must become national priorities to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the health and well-being of future generations.
