The Uraan Pakistan initiative, a newly announced national economic transformation plan, sets ambitious goals: $100 billion in annual exports, 20 million new jobs, $29 billion in FDI, a 20% poverty reduction within five years, and a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

While inspiring, these goals stand in stark contrast to the harsh realities of widespread poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. Nearly 60% of the population lacks access to quality food and clean water with devastating consequences—40% of children under five are stunted and 30% suffer from wasting. These aren’t just grim statistics but a generational challenge that erodes workforce productivity and undermines the nation’s economic and political stability.

For an agrarian economy, Pakistan’s heavy reliance on food imports is both perplexing and precarious. It exposes millions to global price shocks and supply disruptions. Poor storage and distribution........

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