The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) would produce new national food security and nutrition survey in Pakistan. Both the organizations on Friday agreed to undertake a new analysis to update findings of the 2009 Food Insecurity in Pakistan report, jointly produced by WFP, the SDPI and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).

The analysis, which will draw on data collected in districts and regions across Pakistan, was commissioned by Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) to update the food security situation in the country in view of what it said were likely changes due to flood disasters and rising food prices since 2009.

Results from the analysis will show the numbers of food insecure people in different parts of the country and provide malnutrition figures, including stunting and underweight among children under five years and Global Acute Malnutrition rates.

In his comments on the occasion, WFP Pakistan Deputy Country Director and officer-in-charge, Mageed Yahia said this assessment will provide crucial data for all organizations involved in fighting malnutrition and addressing the food needs of population, and is the first major step forward under the government’s Zero Hunger Programme launched earlier this year.

SDPI’s Executive Director, Abid Suleri thanked the Ministry and WFP for their support to carrying out this research which will have enormous value.