KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called for urgent and collective action to curb food wastage in the country, marking the International Day of Zero Waste 2026 under the theme “Zero Waste Starts on Your Plate.”
In a press release issued on Monday, the PMA emphasized that individual responsibility and mindful consumption are critical in addressing Pakistan’s growing malnutrition and food insecurity crisis. The association noted that while the day is observed globally to promote sustainable consumption, for Pakistan it represents a matter of survival.
Highlighting alarming statistics, the PMA stated that approximately 40 percent of children under five in Pakistan suffer from stunting, a condition caused by chronic malnutrition that leads to irreversible physical and cognitive impairments. Nearly 18 percent of children face wasting, while around 31 percent are underweight, according to data from UNICEF.
The statement further revealed that 8 out of 10 children in the country do not receive adequate or appropriate nutrition, with more than half lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Globally, over 150 million children remain stunted despite sufficient food production for the world’s population, with one in eleven people still going to bed hungry.
The PMA noted that the burden of malnutrition is more severe in rural areas and underprivileged provinces, particularly Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Expressing concern over economic impacts, the association stated that undernutrition costs Pakistan nearly 3 percent of its GDP annually, while malnutrition leads to an estimated loss of Rs 4.76 trillion each year due to increased healthcare expenses and reduced productivity. It added that nearly 82 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet, making food wastage at households and social events especially concerning.
The PMA urged citizens to adopt practical measures to reduce food waste, including avoiding unnecessary disposal of food, and encouraged event organizers and caterers to collaborate with charitable organizations to distribute surplus food to underserved communities.
It also called on educational institutions to incorporate “Zero Waste” awareness into their curricula to instill responsible consumption habits among younger generations.
Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of PMA (Centre), in his statement, stressed that meaningful change begins with individual actions. He said that every effort to save food contributes to reducing malnutrition and securing a healthier future for the nation’s children.
