For the first time, FSA 2003 will help the stakeholders in Pakistan understand the fact that food security is not only a function of the availability (physical access) of food but it is a multifaceted problem, and if not addressed holistically the cherished goal of food security cannot be realized. Further, it underlines the reality that a macro level analysis, with a set of aggregate data at the national level, may not be a true reflection of the actual situation prevailing at micro level (district or household), in terms of intensity of food insecurity; and thus, at times, could be deceptive. Despite being primarily an agro-based economy, Pakistan has never been a food self-reliant country, as evident from the growing food import bill, as far as the sustainable food supplies from domestic resources are concerned. Unfortunately, the basic concept regarding rural-urban terms of trade, the composition of rural inhabitants, the targeting of subsidies and output-oriented strategy have been poorly understood, conceptualized, planned and implemented. The inefficient use of available technologies and research-based knowledge coupled with a poor delivery system bred inefficiencies and left hardly any space to cope with the challenge of food insecurity in the face of mounting population pressure that led to further widening of already existing disparities.