Geography of Pakistan

Geographical Layout of Pakistan

Pakistan is a land of remarkable geographical diversity, strategically positioned in South Asia. Covering an area of 796,095 square kilometers, it is bordered by four countries: India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran, with a southern boundary along the Arabian Sea. Its location makes it a crucial juncture for trade routes connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, often referred to as a “bridge state.”

Internally, Pakistan’s geography is defined by its diverse topography, which includes towering mountains, expansive plateaus, fertile plains, deserts, and a long coastline. The country is divided into four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), along with territories like Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Each region contributes uniquely to the country’s cultural, economic, and environmental landscape.

Externally, Pakistan’s borders play a vital role in its geopolitical dynamics. To the east, the 2,912-kilometer border with India has been a flashpoint for conflicts, particularly over Jammu and Kashmir. To the west, the 2,430-kilometer border with Afghanistan follows the Durand Line, a colonial legacy that remains contentious. This region is crucial for trade and has historically been a gateway for invasions and migrations. The 523-kilometer border with China, dominated by the Karakoram Range, includes the Khunjerab Pass, a vital link in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). To the southwest, the 909-kilometer border with Iran facilitates trade, while the Arabian Sea to the south provides access to key maritime routes. A panhandle of Afghanistan territory in the northwest, the Wakhan Corridor, separates Pakistan and Tajikistan about 350 km long and 13–65 kilometers wide

Major Regions

Pakistan’s geographical features are divided into five primary regions, each with distinct characteristics and contributions.

1. North High Mountainous Region:
   This region includes the towering peaks of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush ranges, home to over 100 peaks above 5,400 meters. Notable peaks include K2 (8,611 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), and Tirich Mir (7,708 meters). The region hosts some of the largest glaciers outside the polar areas, such as Baltoro, Biafo, and Siachen, which are critical for freshwater resources. These mountains also influence the climate, acting as barriers to cold winds from the north. Culturally, the region is rich, with diverse ethnic groups such as the Baltis, Hunzakuts, and Pashtuns, each contributing to Pakistan’s cultural mosaic. The soil quality here is generally poor, being rocky and shallow, limiting large-scale agriculture. However, fertile valleys, such as Hunza and Skardu, support terraced farming where crops like barley, wheat, and potatoes are grown. The weather in this region is harsh, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Glacial meltwater sustains rivers, providing irrigation for small-scale farming. Sources of income include tourism, with mountaineering and trekking attracting international visitors, as well as livestock rearing. Wool, meat, and dairy products are essential outputs. The region’s gemstones, such as rubies and aquamarines, contribute to local economies.
2. Western Low Mountainous Region:
   This region comprises rugged terrain, including the Sulaiman and Sufed Koh ranges. While less elevated than the northern mountains, these ranges are significant for their mineral wealth, including reserves of chromite, limestone, and gypsum. The area is sparsely populated, with tribal communities relying on subsistence agriculture and livestock rearing. Security and trade challenges dominate this region due to its proximity to Afghanistan. This region includes the Sulaiman and Sufed Koh ranges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The soil is largely dry and stony, unsuitable for intensive agriculture but sufficient for hardy crops like millet and sorghum. The weather is arid, with extreme temperature variations—hot summers and cold winters. Livelihoods depend heavily on livestock, especially goats, sheep, and camels, which are well-adapted to the rugged terrain. Mining is another significant source of income, with deposits of chromite, gypsum, and marble being extracted. The arid weather and poor soil often push communities towards informal trade, especially along the Afghan border.
3. Balochistan Plateau:
   Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, is characterized by vast plateaus, basins, and deserts. Its terrain is a mix of mountains like the Chagai Hills and lowland basins such as Zhob and Loralai. The region is rich in natural resources, including copper, gold, and natural gas, with projects like Reko Diq and Saindak showcasing its economic potential. The coastal belt, including Gwadar and Makran, is crucial for maritime trade and fisheries, offering immense potential for future economic development. The Balochistan Plateau features arid landscapes, rocky terrain, and inland basins with varied soil quality. While much of the soil is sandy or saline, areas like the Quetta Valley have relatively fertile soil that supports the cultivation of fruits such as apples, cherries, and pomegranates. The weather is generally dry, with hot summers and cold winters. Coastal areas like Gwadar and Pasni have a milder climate and support fishing as a major economic activity. Inland, mining is a key source of income, with copper, gold, and natural gas being the main resources. The region’s arid weather limits agricultural expansion, but livestock rearing remains a consistent source of livelihood.

4.       Pothohar Uplands:
Located in northern Punjab, the Pothohar Plateau is an area of historical and archaeological significance. Sites like Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage. The plateau is rich in minerals like salt, coal, and limestone, and is an important contributor to the country’s oil and gas production. Its rivers, including the Soan and Harro, support local agriculture and wildlife. The soil of the Pothohar Plateau is moderately fertile, with patches of rocky and uneven terrain. Alluvial soil is found near riverbanks, supporting limited agricultural activities. However, large portions of the land are not suitable for extensive farming due to the presence of gullies and uneven topography caused by water erosion.

Weather

The plateau experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Rainfall is relatively low and erratic, making it semi-arid. Monsoon rains occasionally cause flash floods in the region's ravines and streams, but they also provide essential water for agriculture.

Sources of Income

The Pothohar Plateau offers diverse income opportunities influenced by its geography:

1. Agriculture: Despite its challenging terrain, the plateau supports the cultivation of rain-fed (barani) crops like wheat, barley, millet, and legumes. Orchards of guava, citrus, and olives are also common in certain areas.
2. Livestock: Animal husbandry is a major livelihood, with goats, sheep, and cattle raised for milk, meat, and wool.
3. Minerals: The plateau is rich in natural resources Mined from the famous Khewra Salt Mine, one of the largest in the world. Limestone and Gypsum Oil and Gas
4. Forestry: Limited forest cover provides timber and fuelwood, supporting local needs.
5. Tourism and Archaeology: The plateau is home to significant historical and archaeological sites, including the Gandhara civilization in Taxila, which attracts tourists and researchers.

Punjab and Sindh Plains:
Punjab and Sindh are two provinces in Pakistan, each with distinct geographical features:

Punjab:

• Location: Punjab is located in the eastern part of Pakistan, bordered by India to the east, Azad Kashmir to the north, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, and Sindh to the south.
• Topography: Punjab is mainly characterized by flat plains, with fertile land that is part of the larger Indus Valley. The region is intersected by the Indus River, which plays a vital role in its agriculture.
• Rivers: The Indus River is the most significant river in Punjab, along with its tributaries such as the Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, and Sutlej rivers. These rivers have historically provided water for irrigation and trade.
• Climate: Punjab has a hot semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The region also experiences the monsoon season, which brings significant rainfall in the summer months.
• Agriculture: The province is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. The fertile soil and irrigation systems make Punjab the breadbasket of Pakistan.

Sindh:

• Location: Sindh is situated in the southeastern part of Pakistan, bordered by India to the east, Balochistan to the west, Punjab to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south.
• Topography: Sindh features a diverse landscape, ranging from flat plains in the north and central regions to deserts in the southeast. The coastline along the Arabian Sea has beaches and coastal areas.
• Rivers: Sindh is predominantly dependent on the Indus River, which flows from the north and enters Sindh before draining into the Arabian Sea. The river and its delta are vital for irrigation and agriculture in the region.
• Climate: Sindh has a hot desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The region experiences very little rainfall, and the temperature can soar above 40°C (104°F) during peak summer months.
• Agriculture: Sindh's agriculture is also based on the Indus River's irrigation system. It produces crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. Additionally, Sindh is known for its date palms and fruits like mangoes.
• Indus Delta: The Indus River creates a large delta as it reaches the Arabian Sea. This delta is ecologically significant and is home to diverse wildlife, including migratory birds.

Mountains and Plateaus

Pakistan’s mountainous regions define its topography and play a crucial role in its climate, water resources, and biodiversity. The northern ranges, including the Karakoram and Himalayas, are home to glacial rivers that feed the Indus River system. These mountains also house rich biodiversity, including snow leopards, ibex, and numerous bird species.

The western mountains, including the Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges, form natural borders and contain valuable mineral deposits. The Balochistan Plateau, with its diverse terrain, influences the climate and provides habitat for desert flora and fauna. Efforts are underway to exploit its untapped potential, particularly in renewable energy.

Plains and Rivers

The Indus River plain is Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, supporting over 60% of the population. The alluvial soil deposited by the Indus and its tributaries makes this region one of the most fertile in the world. The rivers play a vital role in irrigation, supported by an extensive canal system that forms the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy.

The Lower Indus Plain, located in Sindh, includes the Indus River delta, which supports a unique ecosystem of mangroves and estuarine species. However, the delta faces challenges from reduced river flows and rising sea levels, threatening agriculture and biodiversity.

Coastline and Natural Resources

Pakistan’s coastline along the Arabian Sea is a vital economic and ecological zone. Ports like Karachi and Gwadar are central to trade and logistics, with Gwadar emerging as a key component of CPEC. The coastal areas also support fisheries, which are a livelihood for millions. Efforts to develop eco-tourism in areas like Makran and Hingol National Park are underway.

Natural resources include significant reserves of coal, particularly in the Thar Desert, which are being utilized for power generation. Pakistan also has untapped reserves of oil and gas, and ongoing exploration aims to reduce energy dependence. Minerals like copper, gold, and salt add to its economic potential.

(Ahmad Faraz)