President Zardari’s Bold Commitment to Food Security: Ensuring Equal, Safe, and Affordable Access to Food for All
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to equal, safe, and affordable access to food for all, emphasizing food security as a shared responsibility on World Food Day 2025.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that equal, safe, and affordable access to food is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, underscoring Pakistan’s collective responsibility to eliminate hunger and ensure food security for all citizens.
Delivering a message on the occasion of World Food Day 2025, observed globally every year on October 16, the President called for unified efforts from government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to guarantee that no child in Pakistan sleeps hungry.
World Food Day 2025: A Global Call for Food Security
Since 1979, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has observed World Food Day to promote awareness and action for those suffering from hunger. The theme for 2025, “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind,” highlights how essential water resources are for sustainable food systems and human survival.
President Zardari echoed this theme, urging Pakistanis to “take collective action to preserve water, strengthen agriculture, and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.”
External Link: FAO World Food Day 2025 Theme
President Zardari’s Message: A Renewed National Commitment
In his official statement, President Zardari reaffirmed that food security is not just the responsibility of the government, but a shared national duty.
“Our goal is that no child sleeps hungry and that every household has access to food,” the President declared, calling this vision both a moral obligation and a national priority.
He added that Pakistan’s fight against hunger is closely linked with its battle against climate change, economic inequality, and water scarcity — issues that require immediate, coordinated responses.
Challenges: Climate Change, Floods, and Inflation
Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, continues to face severe challenges to its food systems. Extreme weather events — from catastrophic floods to prolonged droughts — have reduced crop yields, damaged irrigation infrastructure, and displaced millions of farming families.
Inflation and high food prices have further deepened food insecurity, pushing nutritious meals out of reach for many low-income households. According to a World Bank report, over 37% of Pakistanis face moderate to severe food insecurity. (External Link: World Bank – Pakistan Food Security Report)
President Zardari expressed deep concern over child malnutrition, especially in flood-affected districts of Sindh and Balochistan, where children are among the most vulnerable to hunger and disease.
Agriculture – The Backbone of Pakistan’s Economy
Highlighting that agriculture provides livelihoods to nearly 40% of Pakistan’s workforce, the President described it as “the backbone of the economy and the key to our national prosperity.”
He noted that sustainable agriculture must now evolve with climate-smart practices, improved water management, and digital innovation to ensure long-term productivity.
Recent government efforts include:
- Expanding climate-resilient crop varieties,
- Promoting drip irrigation and water-efficient farming,
- Strengthening agricultural credit systems for small-scale farmers.
Internal Link: Read More: Pakistan’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Initiatives
Government Measures for Equal, Safe, and Affordable Access to Food
The government has rolled out nutrition-sensitive programs, such as Ehsaas Nashonuma, to combat child stunting and maternal malnutrition. These efforts align with the President’s goal of achieving equal, safe, and affordable access to food through inclusive policies and social protection mechanisms.
Ongoing initiatives include:
- Food distribution for low-income households in partnership with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal,
- Support for flood-affected farmers through fertilizer subsidies,
- Food safety standards enforcement to prevent contamination and waste.
These projects underscore the administration’s transformative approach to food justice and rural empowerment.
Preventing Food Wastage and Supporting Flood Victims
President Zardari emphasized that preventing food wastage is among the government’s top national priorities. He called for a cultural shift toward responsible consumption and community-based food sharing networks.
“Food wasted by one can feed another. Our compassion must extend to those in need,” he remarked.
In collaboration with UN agencies and local NGOs, relief measures are being implemented to provide emergency food rations, cash support, and rehabilitation for flood-hit families.
External Link: UN Pakistan Flood Relief Operations
Way Forward: A Food-Secure and Climate-Resilient Pakistan
To ensure long-term food security, the President advocated for:
- Enhanced research in agricultural biotechnology,
- Efficient irrigation systems using renewable energy,
- Community-led nutrition programs,
- Public-private partnerships to modernize supply chains.
These strategies are part of Pakistan’s National Food Security Policy, aiming to make food affordable, safe, and equitably distributed across the country.
Conclusion: A Vision of Hope and Equity
President Asif Ali Zardari’s address on World Food Day 2025 is a powerful call to action for every Pakistani — from policymakers to farmers and citizens. His empowering message reminds the nation that ensuring equal, safe, and affordable access to food is not just an economic issue — it is a moral and human imperative.
By prioritizing sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and social equity, Pakistan can move toward a hunger-free future, where no child sleeps hungry and every family has dignified access to nutritious food.
