About 60% of Pakistan's population faces food insecurity according to a new National Nutrition Survey reported by The Express Tribune (with the International Herald Tribune) in September. Iodine deficiency was documented, but the "iodine deficiency rate had reduced during the last decade."

"Health experts noted that the increasing rate of chronic and acute malnutrition in the country is primarily due to poverty, higher illiteracy rate among mothers and the government’s lack of commitment towards ensuring food security to each and every citizen. They also attributed it to the inherent problems in infant feeding practices and access to “right” foods.

“'The statistics on the nutritional status are also very alarming and there is a need to integrate strategies to overcome malnutrition,' said Mona Sheikh of World Food Programme Pakistan. Dr Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta of AKU said that stunting among children is among the major problems the country is facing. 'These children are our country’s future, and they are at stake,' he added."