Pakistan's Location
Pakistan holds a crucial position in South Asia, strategically situated between latitudes 24°
35′ N and 37° 05′ N and longitudes 61° E to 78° E.
The total area of Pakistan spans approximately 796,096 square kilometers, extending about
1,600 km from north to south and 885 km from east to west.
Importance of Pakistan's Location
Regional Connectivity:
o Pakistan serves as a vital link to Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass and Khurram Pass.
o The Karakoram Highway enhances communication with China.
Port Access:
o The ports of Kimari and Bin Qasim provide crucial maritime connections to South
Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA.
o Jinnah Terminal acts as a significant hub, allowing local and foreign airplanes to
refuel.
Economic Opportunities:
o The construction of gas pipelines from Central Asia through Pakistan to Iran offers
potential economic benefits for South Asian countries.
Strategic Importance of Pakistan
Geographical Position:
o Situated at the Tropic of Cancer, Pakistan's warm climate supports the cultivation of
various crops, including wheat, sugarcane, and cotton.
o The Arabian Sea's accessibility allows for uninterrupted trade activities year-round.
Islamic Belt:
o Pakistan's location in the Islamic belt facilitates potential social, economic, and
trade benefits from neighboring Islamic countries.
Central Location:
o Being centrally located in Asia allows for extensive trade opportunities with multiple
countries.
Mountain Ranges
o The mountain ranges in Pakistan, such as the Karakoram and Hindu Kush, shield the
region from cold Siberian winds.
o These mountains provide abundant mineral resources and serve as natural borders
with China and Afghanistan.
o Glaciers in these ranges supply fresh water for agricultural, domestic, and industrial
use, also aiding in electricity generation.
Seaports:
o Around 90% of global trade is conducted via sea. Pakistan has three key seaports:
Kimari/Karachi Port
Bin Qasim Port
Gwadar Port
o These ports facilitate cost-effective transportation for imports and exports.
Physiography of Pakistan
Northern and Northwestern Mountains
Location:
o Found in the northeast to northwestern areas of Pakistan.
Mountain Ranges:
o Includes the Karakoram Range (approximately 6,000 m), the Himalayas (around
4,000 m), and the Hindu Kush (around 5,000 m), with notable peaks like K2, Tirich
Mir, and Nanga Parbat.
Topographical Features:
o Characterized by a glaciated landscape with significant glaciers like Siachen, Baltoro,
and Bhatura, steep slopes, snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, and narrow valleys.
o High mountain passes such as Khunjerab, Lowari, Shandur, and Babusar connect
different regions.
Serrated Landscape:
o Features a highland area below the snow line suitable for agriculture, with V-shaped
valleys formed by water flow and U-shaped valleys resulting from glacial activity.
Human and Economic Activities:
o Farming on terraced fields is common, with crops like fruits and maize cultivated
primarily in the summer.
o Cottage industries such as carpet weaving, fruit drying, and embroidery thrive.
o Challenges in construction due to rugged terrain and natural disasters like landslides
impact transport and tourism.
o Hydroelectric power (HEP) generation is possible from fast-flowing rivers.
Environmental Issues:
o Deforestation due to infrastructure development, air pollution from vehicles, and
land pollution from garbage are significant concerns.
River Indus and its Tributaries:
o These provide irrigation water to the Indus Plains, are a source of tourism, potential
hydroelectric power, and form natural borders that protect against cold winds.
Western Mountains
Location:
o Located along the western border with Afghanistan, interconnected through various
passes.
Mountain Ranges:
o Includes Safed Koh (up to 5,000 m), Waziristan Hills (up to 4,000 m), Sulaiman Range
(up to 3,500 m), and other smaller ranges.
Topographical/Drainage Features:
o Features snow-capped peaks, bare rocks, and braided river channels, with little
vegetation.
o The region is drained by western tributaries connecting to Afghanistan, including
the Kabul River.
Human Activities:
o The climate and rugged topography hinder agricultural practices, with limited canal
irrigation.
o Nomadic lifestyles and livestock farming are common, and urban centers like
Peshawar serve military and trade purposes.
Environmental Issues:
o The natural environment remains relatively intact due to low population density,
though overgrazing leads to some deforestation.
Potwar and Salt Range
Location:
o Situated south of Islamabad between the Indus and Jhelum Rivers, with significant
areas in Jhelum, Chakwal, Kalabagh, and Mianwali.
Mountain Ranges:
o Comprises the Kala Chitta Range and Khairi Murat (up to 1,000 m) and parallel salt
ranges (750 to 900 m).
Topographical Features:
o Characterized by badland topography, resistant rocks from wind and water erosion,
and alluvial plains primarily used for agriculture due to the Soan River.
Economic and Human Activities:
o Barani farming flourishes due to high rainfall, though rugged terrain limits canal
irrigation.
o Mining of rock salt, limestone, marble, gypsum, and coal occurs, alongside the
presence of industries like cement and chemicals.
o High population density supports thriving business centers and transportation
networks.
Environmental Issues:
o Deforestation and overgrazing cause soil erosion, with pollution from transport and
industries posing additional risks.
Balochistan Plateau
Location:
o Found in the southwestern region of Pakistan, at altitudes ranging from 600 to
3,000 m.
Mountain Ranges:
o Includes the Raskoh, Hala Range, Makran Coastal Range, Central Brahui Range, Toba
Kakar Range, Siahan Range, and Chagai Hills.
Topographical/Drainage Features:
o Characterized by basins like Zhob and Loralai, with inland drainage systems, salt
pans, rugged landscapes, and narrow coastal plains.
Economic Activities:
o Limited farming occurs due to water scarcity and high evaporation, with nomadic
livestock farming and fruit farming (including date palms).
o Fishing is practiced in Gwadar, Ormara, and Pasni, while natural gas, coal, and
copper extraction take place in Quetta.
Environmental Issues:
o The region has low population density but faces challenges like overgrazing and
limited transportation links.
Indus Plains
Location:
o Drained by the Indus River and its tributaries, primarily in Punjab and parts of Sindh,
with the upper and lower Indus plains identified.
Topographical/Drainage Features:
o Characterized by gentle slopes, with the river flowing into the Arabian Sea.
o Features include active and old flood plains, alluvial terraces, and tidal deltas.
Economic and Human Activities:
o The most productive region economically, with a mix of rural and urban settlements,
extensive agriculture (including rice, wheat, sugarcane, and fruits).
o A sophisticated canal irrigation system supports farming, while industries and
transport networks thrive.
o Commercial fishing and brick kiln factories contribute to local economies.
Environmental Issues:
o Air pollution from transport and industries, water pollution from agricultural runoff
and industrial waste, and land pollution from urban garbage accumulation are
significant concerns.
o Overgrazing and deforestation pose additional environmental threats.
Deserts
Location:
o The Thal Desert lies between the Indus and Jhelum Rivers, the Thar Desert is in
southeastern Pakistan, and the Kharan Desert is in southwestern Balochistan.
Topographical Features:
o Characterized by sand plains, undulating dunes, barren rocks, and erosion features.
Human and Economic Activities:
o Limited farming due to water scarcity, though reclamation projects show potential.
o The discovery of coal fields in Thar and oil drilling in Sindh has economic
implications.
o Nomadic livestock farming is prevalent, with limited transportation infrastructure
due to the rugged landscape.
Cold Desert:
o Kat Pana Desert, located in Skardu, is known as Pakistan's cold desert.
