By ABDULLAH 
Pakistan is once again staring at a food security crisis. The latest monsoon floods have inundated vast swathes of fertile land in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, wiping out standing crops and destroying livelihoods. Experts warn that the country will see a sharp surge in food prices in the coming months, pushing millions of households already struggling with inflation further to the brink.
For many Pakistanis, the scenes unfolding in 2025 feel similar to the devastating 2022 floods, which triggered a spike in food inflation across the country. Back then, monthly growth in food prices ranged between 2.5% and 4.8% for essential items like wheat, rice, onions, and tomatoes.
This time, early signs are even more worrying. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), prices of 18 major food items have already increased over the last week of August. Tomatoes rose by 15%, wheat flour by 12%, while chicken, eggs, and potatoes also saw sharp hikes.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported over 819 deaths and the destruction of 8,600+ houses. More than 6,000 livestock have perished, adding to food insecurity.
Punjab, Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, is facing floods aggravated by water releases from India. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, damage to roads, bridges, irrigation channels, and powerhouses has disrupted both transportation and farm operations.
The crops most affected include:
- Wheat – A staple for Pakistani households, its shortages directly fuel inflation.
- Rice – A major export crop, now at risk of reduced production.
- Cotton – Domestic arrivals are already down 6% in Punjab and 24% in Sindh.
- Vegetables and Fruits – Tomatoes, onions, and potatoes are experiencing immediate price shocks.
Economists point to several chokepoints:
- Supply Chain Breakdowns – Flooded roads and damaged bridges make it harder for farmers to transport goods to markets.
- Storage Limitations – With power outages and limited cold storage, perishable crops are rotting faster.
- Livestock Losses – Fewer animals mean higher prices for milk, eggs, and meat.
- Increased Imports – Pakistan will have to import wheat, cotton, and other staples, adding pressure to the balance of payments.
Mustafa Mustansir, head of research at Taurus Securities, cautioned:
“Food prices are likely to pick up in the coming months due to losses and disruptions owing to the floods.”
The floods are not just a humanitarian crisis. They are reshaping Pakistan’s economic outlook.
- Agriculture Growth Miss – The FY26 growth target for agriculture is now expected to be missed, dragging down GDP growth.
- Rising Import Bill – More cotton and food imports will strain foreign exchange reserves.
- Industry Slowdown – Fertilizer, automobiles, and construction materials are seeing reduced demand due to rural economic distress.
- Financial Strain – Agribusiness loans are expected to turn into non-performing loans (NPLs), pressuring banks.
The Finance Division has already flagged climate-driven shocks as a key threat to fiscal stability.
On social platforms, anger and worry are running high.
- Farmers in Punjab have posted videos of submerged fields, pleading for government compensation.
- Urban consumers are sharing grocery bills, comparing prices from last year to now, with hashtags like #FoodCrisis and #FloodImpact trending on X (formerly Twitter).
- Many are recalling 2022, asking why lessons weren’t learned on flood management and crop insurance.
Analysts argue that Pakistan cannot afford to repeat the cycle of flood-relief-rebuild-forget. Experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and local agricultural bodies are urging:
- Investment in modern irrigation systems like solar pumps instead of diesel-powered tube wells.
- Expansion of cold storage facilities to cut post-harvest losses.
- Promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties to withstand extreme weather.
- Stronger disaster preparedness through river embankments and better drainage systems.
Dr. Sardar Mohazzam, Managing Director of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), stressed:
“Reproducing existing inefficiencies in our agricultural systems is untenable. We must invest in smarter, energy-efficient technologies.”
Q1: Why are food prices rising so sharply in Pakistan?
Because floods have destroyed standing crops, disrupted supply chains, and reduced livestock numbers. The country now needs to import more food at higher global prices.
Q2: Which food items will be most affected?
Wheat, rice, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, milk, and eggs are at highest risk of shortages and price hikes.
Q3: Will this impact exports?
Yes. Rice and cotton exports are expected to decline, while imports of wheat and cotton will rise.
Q4: How does this compare to the 2022 floods?
The pattern is similar, but inflationary pressures may be stronger in 2025 because Pakistan is already battling high inflation and reduced purchasing power.
Q5: What can the government do?
Short-term: provide subsidies, regulate markets, and ensure food supplies.
Long-term: invest in climate-resilient agriculture, cold storage, and flood management infrastructure.
The floods in Pakistan are not just a seasonal disaster they are tipping the country into a full-blown food crisis. With crops ruined, prices soaring, and imports rising, the burden will fall hardest on low-income families. Unless urgent relief and long-term reforms are implemented, Pakistan risks repeating the same cycle of food insecurity and economic instability seen in 2022.