Topography of Pakistan Q) Explain the economic lifestyle of the people of Northern Areas?

• Economy in northern areas has developed on traditional lines.

The Northern Mountains consist of: • Low economic growth rate combined with a high rate of population growth
Karakoram Range restricts the growth of per capita income.
• Lies between River Hunza and River Shyok. • Infrastructure (roads, bridges, electric supply) is inadequate.
• Its western end lies in Pakistan. • Agriculture is practiced on terraced fields and in valleys, but on limited scale.
• Average height of the range is about 6000m. • Cattle-breeding is part of the economy.
• Its highest peaks have been names as K series, K2 being the highest peak. • Working in cottage and small-scale industries is a source of employment for
• Karakoram range is also famous for having the largest cluster of glaciers in people.
the world (Siachen glacier 75km long). • Tourism is another source of earning for local people.
• Other glaciers include Hispar, Baltoro, Batura and Biafo. Foreign tourists visiting during summers value the products of cottage and
• It has both international passes and inland passes. small-scale industries.
o Khunjerab pass linking Pakistan and China. • There are some major industries including food processing and vegetable oil
o Simshal pass. etc.
• There are also deep valleys such as Gilgit and Hunza. • Northern mountains are rich in minerals but largely unexplored.
• The region has traditional trade links with China.
The Himalayas: • With mountainous terrain and fast flowing rivers, the area has great HEP
• Comprise of Siwaliks (600m-1200m). potential.
The lesser Himalayas (1800-4500m).
The central Himalayas (above 4500m). Q) How does the winter climate of Northern Mountains make it a difficult area
• Average height 4500m. to live in for economic activities?
• Highest peak in Pakistan is Nanga Parbat. • Cold winds and heavy snowfall force people to stay indoors.
• It also has glaciers such as Rupal (S) and Rupal (N). • Because of snowfall, roads may be closed and means of transport and
• Popular hill stations lie in lesser Himalayas represented by Pir Panjal range communications disrupted.
e.g. Murree, Nathia Gali etc. • Farming cannot be practiced due to snow.
• Lakes such as Saif-ul-Muluk (Kaghan valley), Satpura (near Skardu) and • Water supply also becomes limited.
Babusar lake are also tourist attractions. • Due to cold, pipelines (water) freeze.
• Passes exist. • Frostbite is a problem.
Babusar pass connects Mansera to northern areas. • Avalanches, snowstorms and landslides become more common in winters.
• Economic activities (outdoor) get restricted, and people work in cottage and
The Hindu Kush small-scale industries.
• Lies where Afghanistan and China borders meet Pakistan. • The number of tourists reduces considerably.
• Average height 5000m. • To keep warm, fuel wood and warm clothes are required.
• Tirich Mir (7690m) is the highest peak.
• Deep, beautiful valleys exist such as Chitral, Bir and Swat valley. Q) Why is there a low population density in Northern areas?
• Passes are of historic significance used by both invaders and traders. • Difficult terrain.
o e.g. Lowari pass connects Chitral to Dir. • Harsh climate.
o Shandur pass connects Gilgit to Chitral • Lack of social facilities (schools, hospitals).
• Fast flowing rivers are its drainage features e.g. River Swat, River Panjkora, • Less food (limited agriculture).
and River Kunar. • Few job opportunities etc.
• Many natural streams and lakes. • Migration.
• Passes linking Afghanistan-Pakistan but are difficult to cross e.g. Baroghil,
Drosh, Shal, Shera Singh and Shingala passes. Western Mountains
They consist of:
Q) Describe the relief features of the Northern Mountains. Safed Koh Range:
• Northern mountains consist of 3 ranges (already mentioned). • Located in east-west direction, is to the south of River Kabul.
• These mountains have pyramidal peaks. • Known as Safed Koh (white mountains) because their peaks are covered
• Mountains having slopes covered with snow. with snow.
• There are parallel mountain ranges with deep valleys in between. • Kohat valley located near this.
• Northern mountains have one of the largest cluster of glaciers in the world. • Another valley in the region is Peshawar, drained by river Swat and Kabul.
• There are both international and inland passes. • Safed Koh ranges up to 4712m.
• River Khurram flows to the south of this range, and Khurram pass provides
Q) Describe the drainage features of the Northern Mountains. a route into Afghanistan.
• A number of rivers flow through the northern mountains.
• River Hunza, River Mastuj, River Gilgit flow through the Karakoram range. Waziristan Hills:
• River Indus and its eastern tributaries flow from the Himalayas. • Located between river Khurram and river Gomal.
• Rivers Swat, Panjkora and Kunar drain Hindu Kush. • Ranges up to 3500m.
• Apart from rivers, there are many lakes, hilly torrents and streams draining • Lies on Pak-Afghan border.
the northern mountains (lakes mentioned). • Bannu valley is located to the east of Waziristan hills.
• Glaciers occasionally create small ponds of snowmelt water. • Tochi and Gomal passes in the region connect Pakistan to Afghanistan.
• Rivers Gomal, Tochi and Khurram drain the area.
Q) Describe the characteristics of the winter climate of the Northern • The area is highly mineralized.
Mountains.
• Northern mountains experience low temperature because of height.
Basically, altitude determines the temperature. Sulaiman and Kirthar Range
• Winters are cold and long. • Forms a border between Balochistan and Indus plain.
• Temperature at 4500m and above is cold/freezing throughout the year. • These ranges lay to the west of Indus.
• Valleys normally at 2000-2500m have cool winters and experience • Ranges up to 3383m.
temperatures below 5°C. • Takht-i-Sulaiman is the highest peak.
• Winters are quite chilly with cold winds. • Minerals such as limestone and sandstone are found here.
• There is rainfall and snowfall in the winter season from Western • Rugged landscape.
Depressions. • Drained by River Hub and River Lyari.
• December-January are the months with lowest temperature. • Lack vegetation.
Q) Explain the importance of Northern Mountains. Q) Explain the relief features of Western Mountains.
• Snow-capped peaks and glaciers melt in summers and water drains into • Rugged landscape.
Indus and its tributaries, making available more water for irrigation. • Difficult terrain.
• They connect Pakistan to China and Afghanistan, and provide a natural • Average height 1500m-3000m.
trade route.
• Thin soil layer.
• These mountains are source of raw material to various industries (minerals,
• Pyramidal peaks.
timber, fruit).
• Parallel ranges.
• Northern mountains provide protection to Pakistan against cold winds from
• These ranges contain inter-montane valleys e.g. Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu.
Central Asia.
• There are both inland and international passes e.g. Gomal, Khurram and
• Its scenic beauty promotes tourism.
Bolan pass.
• HEP potential.
• Highly mineralized but unexplored.
Q) What is meant by Transhumance?
Drainage features:
It is practiced in northern mountains. It is seasonal movement of people/farmers
along with their animals. In winters, they move to lower pastures, and in summers, • Peshawar drained by River Swat and Kabul.
they move to higher pastures. • Kohat drained by River Kohat.
• River Gomal, Tochi and Khurram drain Waziristan hills and Bannu region.

• Temporary rivers draining Sulaiman Mountains.
• River Hub and River Lyari draining Kirthar range.
• Streams.
• Hilly torrents.
Q) Why less development or economic problems in Western Mountains?
• Difficult terrain.
• Inadequate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electric supply.
• Insecurity.
• Lack of capital for investment.
• Mountainous area (less land for agriculture).
• Lack of government attention.
The Balochistan Plateau
• The largest province of Pakistan is located between Sulaiman-Kirthar
ranges and Pakistan’s border along with Iran and Afghanistan.
• Its altitude ranges from 600-3010m.
• Population density is very low (11 people per square kilometer).
Q) Describe the relief features of Balochistan Plateau.
→ Balochistan Plateau has a large number of depressions such as Zhob and
Loralai basins to the north.
→ To the west of Balochistan, there are basins too, with no outlet to the sea.
→ Temporary rivers and streams created after rain, drain into these basins
{[creating salt lakes]. After water evaporates, salt is left behind [salt pans]},
so these are also called inland drainage basins, locally known as Hamuns.
→ Balochistan Plateau is also covered with a number of barren mountain
ranges, with an altitude up to 3010m.
→ These are highly mineralized but unexplored mountain ranges [e.g. Toba
Kakar range, Ras Koh, Hala range, Central Brahui range, Makran Coast and
Siahan range].
→ These are hills with steep slopes, sharp ridges.
• There are deep, narrow valleys.
• Passes.
• Difficult terrain.
→ In the south, Balochistan Plateau borders the Arabian Sea. Balochistan has
a coastal area of approximately 750km.
• The coastal area of Balochistan can be divided into Lasbela plain and
Makran coast.
• Gwadar is a deep-sea port. There are a number of other smaller ports
such as Ormara, Pasni, Jiawani.
Q) What steps can be taken to develop Balochistan’s economy?
→ Mineral resources should be developed, and experts and consultants should
be employed for proper utilization of these resources.
→ Infrastructure such as roads and bridges etc. should be improved to connect
producing areas to the markets, and to expedite trade.
→ Power, gas, water supply has to be ensured to help industries.
→ Sheep and goats should be raised on modern scientific lines + livestock
products, quality and quantity should be improved (to be exported).
→ Law and order situation has to be improved to attract foreign investment.
→ Gwadar port should be used to its full potential to make the area an economic
hub.
→ Fishing industry should be developed by introducing new/modern fishing
methods, refrigeration plants and processing facilities.
Q) How is Gwadar Port going to benefit Pakistan?
• It is being developed as a deep-sea port, which will harbor large ships.
• This port can serve Afghanistan and Central Asian states (land-locked
countries) for their overseas trade.
• An industrial area, and an export processing zone had also been
planned in Gwadar, that will help in the industrialization of the region.
• Foreign investment as well as hi-tech for EPZ will be attracted.
• Gwadar has been declared tax-free zone to attract business and
investment. All these developments will provide employment to the
local people, who up till now are relaying on fishing and fish related
activities.
• Gwadar will also serve to link economies and trade activities of different
regions such as China, Afghanistan, Central Asian states, South East
Asia and Middle East, thus becoming a ‘regional trade hub’.
• It will also relieve pressure of Karachi port.
Q) Describe the drainage features of Balochistan Plateau?
→ Rivers of Balochistan are mostly dry channels, which contain water
when rainfall occurs on the hills.
→ Drainage pattern of Balochistan can be divided into following:
• There are rivers draining into River Indus, such as Zhob, Khandar and
Kalachi.
• Rivers draining into Arabian sea like Hub, Porali, Hingol etc.
• Rivers absorbed into Kachh-Sibi plains, such as Loralai, Chakar, Bolan
and Mula.
• There are many temporary rivers formed after rainfall. These drain into
shallow depressions called Hamuns.
[the last two kinds of rivers (182) are also known as inland drainage
basins, as these don’t have an outlet to the sea].
→ Rivers in Balochistan are smaller in size, with less water volume, and
are dry for most of the year.
→ Become active during rainy season.
Q) Explain the economy and lifestyle of the people of Balochistan.
→ Balochistan being the largest province has vast untapped resources,
but remains neglected as far as its development is concerned.
→ Infrastructure is inadequate. Lack of road links between producing
areas and markets, and main roads.
Water availability is another major problem. Water supplies are mostly
dependent on Karez system, flood diversion channels and small
number of tube wells.
→ Balochistan has a low per capita (per head) income.
→ The province is rich in minerals such as antimony, gold, copper and
coal. There exist crude oil resources and natural gas. About 46% of the
gas supply of the country is obtained from Balochistan (Saindak gold
and copper + Rekodik are two important mining projects).
→ Balochistan is also famous for its fruit growth and dry fruit. Main fruits
grown are dates, grapes, apples, almonds, apricots, peaches, melons
and pomegranates. The surplus fruit is sent to the markets of other
provinces, and also exported to other countries.
→ Nomadic livestock farming is also common in the region. Apart from
livestock, their products such as wool, goat hair and skins are also sold.
→ Balochistan has a good scope of growing vegetable seed.
→ Fishing activity is done, both for subsistence and commercial purpose.
The 3 main fishing ports are Gwadar, Ormara and Pasni. Most of the
fish catch is exported to countries like Sri Lanka, Middle East and
Japan.
Potwar Plateau and Salt Range
Q) Describe the relief features of Potwar Plateau.
• Potwar Plateau lies between River Indus and River Jhelum.
• It has an average height of 300-600m.
• There are residual hills such as Kala Chitta and Kher-i-Murat, which are
the result of resistant rocks.
• A large part of the plateau has been dissected and eroded by the action
of running water.
• This dissected land is a landscape of ridges, ravines, gullies and
troughs.
• Thus, it is also known as bad land topography.
• Land is limited, and the terrain makes cultivation or laying out irrigation
facilities impossible.
• However, flat land in the central Potwar, where land is abundant, is
available for agriculture.
• Potwar Plateau is rich in minerals.
Q) Describe the relief features of salt range?
• The mountains covering the areas of Jhelum, Chakwal, Kalabagh and
Mianwali has become famous as salt range.
• Salt range has parallel ranges and rises to an average height of 750-
900m.
• Sakesar peak is the highest point (1527m).
• The ranges are badly faulted and eroded.
• Salt range is highly mineralized [rock salt, gypsum, limestone].
Q) Describe the drainage pattern of Potwar Plateau and Salt Range (SR).
→ River Indus flows to the west of Potwar Plateau and Salt Range, where
as river Jhelum flows to their east.
→ Most of the area (central) is drained by River Soan, except the south
eastern reion that is drained by River Jhelum.
→ There are many small streams draining into the above-mentioned
rivers.
→ There are lakes like Kalar Kahar Khabeki, adding to the scenic beauty of
the area.
Q) Explain the economic activities and lifestyle in Potwar Plateau/Salt Range.
→ Potwar Plateau and Salt Range are rich in non-metallic minerals
(limestone, marble, rock salt etc.).
→ These non-metallic minerals are used as raw materials in cement,
chemical and ceramic industries.
→ A number of gas and oil fields are located in this region.
→ Attock Oil Refinery has been set up to refine oil from the oil fields of
Potwar Plateau.
→ Farming is dependent upon rainfall. Thus, it is also known as
Barani/rain-fed agriculture. Farming is mostly done in Central Potwar.
→ The rugged landscape makes canal irrigation difficult. Wheat, maize,
barley and gram are grown.
→ Infrastructure of Potwar Plateau such as roads, bridges etc. is better
than Balochistan Plateau.
→ The region is accessible by road, air and rail transport.
→ Important towns like Islamabad, Pindi, Chakwal and Jhelum provide
employment opportunities to the people of the region.
The Indus Plain
The plain is drained by River Indus and its eastern tributaries, and is known as the
Indus plain. By Punjnad, the five main tributaries of Indus had joined to form River
Punjnad (Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum).
Punjnad meets Indus near Mithan Kot, from where Indus flows as a single mighty
river into the Arabian Sea.
• Area above Mithan Kot (where Punjnad meets Indus) is generally
known as Upper Indus Plain, and the area below is known as Lower
Indus Plain.
Q) Describe the relief and drainage differences between Upper Indus Plain
and Lower Indus Plain.
• Upper Indus plain is located in
the northern part of the Indus
plain.
• River Indus and its major
tributaries flow here.
• Nearly flat, undulating land,
sloping to the southwest.
• The average width of Indus
ranges from 1.4-1.6km.
• Both erosion and deposition take
place here.
• Meanders, oxbow lakes, braided
channels and levees found here.
• Ideal for agriculture, having
fertile soil and canal irrigation.
• No cuestas.
• Lower Indus plain is located in
the southern part of the Indus
plain.
• Only River Indus flows in the
lower Indus plain.
• Nearly flat, undulating plain,
sloping to the south.
• Width of Indus is 1.6km.
• Deposition is the main feature of
River Indus.
• Meanders, oxbow lakes, braided
channels and levees are found
here too.
• No alluvial terraces present
here.
• Ideal for agriculture.
• Cuestas are present here.
Q) Why are fish so plentiful in the mangroves of Indus Delta?
• Fish are plentiful in the Indus Delta because the water of River Indus
brings a sufficient quantity and quality of fish food (nutrients).
• These mangroves are good breeding and spawning ground for fish and
shrimps.
• The roots of mangroves trap the nutrients brought by Indus, and
provide shelter from predators to small fish.
Q) Explain why Indus Delta has a low density of population?
• Indus Delta is occupied by mud flats, which are swampy.
• The soil is saline on the account of seawater covering the mud flats.
• Agriculture is practiced on limited scale.
• Rainfall is low, about 250mm annually.
• Transport facilities and the rest of infrastructure is inadequate.
• Parts of Delta are covered by mangrove forests.
• Occasional cyclonic storms can cause much damage.
• Limited facilities of standard schools and hospitals.
• Less industries + less job opportunities.
For all these reasons, Indus Delta has low population density.

Q) Describe the economic activities in the Indus Plain.

• Indus plain is the most productive region of Pakistan.
• Relief and drainage of Indus plain encourages the growth of human
settlements.
Doab in upper Indus plain + old flood plains and active flood plains in
lower Indus plain are excellent areas for farming.
Crops are grown whole year around i.e. cotton, rice, and sugarcane
grown in summers, wheat grown in winters.
Indus plain has an extensive system of canal irrigation.
• Infrastructure facilities are easier to provide.
• Better facilities of transport through road, rail and air available.
• Electricity and natural gas facilities available to most areas.
• Indus plain has a number of industries.
• A large and dense population provides a good market and huge labor.
Q) Describe the topographical features of the Indus Plain.
The landforms of the Indus plain have the following distinct features.
v The active flood plain is the immediate narrow strips on the sides of the
rivers. Locally it is known as ‘bet’ or ‘khaddar’. It is flooded every year
during rainy season. It is found along all rivers. In lower Indus plain,
AFP grows to 40km.
Its important features are braided channels (rich in alluvial), meanders
(zigzag trail of any water body), oxbow lakes (cut off loop from the main
river) and levees (raised banks of rivers due to deposition).
v The old flood plain is the area between active flood plain and alluvial
terrace. They are only flooded when there is heavy Monsoon rainfall,
normally after 7 or 8 years. They are covered with old alluvium. Its
features include abandoned channels, meander scars, and the remains
of oxbows.
v Alluvial terraces or bars are areas of higher ground between rivers.
They are formed in the upper Indus plain. These are ideal for
agriculture and safe from floods.
o e.g. Kirana bar, Sandal bar, Nili bar, Ganji bar.
v Doab is the land located between two adjacent rivers.
o Between Rivers Indus and Jhelum lies Sindh Sagar doab.
o Between Rivers Jhelum and Chenab is located Chaj doab
with Kirana bar.
o Between Rivers Chenab and Ravi is located Rechna doab
with Sandal bar.
o Between Rivers Ravi and Sutlej is located Bari doab with
two bars, Nili and Ganji bar.
Desert Areas
Desert areas are located in three plains in Pakistan.
• Sindh Sagar doab or Thal desert.
• Thar desert or southeastern desert (Nara, Cholistan, Tharparkar).
• The Kharan desert.
Q) Describe the relief features of a desert.
• Deserts are sandy plains or undulating areas covered by sand.
• Winds are important agents of change, changing the landscape
constantly.
• Rolling sand dunes – another important feature, which are mainly
longitudinal (north-south direction).
• Weathering of rocks, lack of vegetation and bare rocks are some other
relief features.
• Agriculture is not supported by relied and climate.
• However, in certain areas known as ‘Tippas’, the land has been
reclaimed after provision of irrigational canals (thus, agriculture
possible).
Q) Describe the economy of people living in deserts.
• Agriculture not possible due to lack of water.
• Recently, more and more land reclaimed due to canal irrigation.
• Cattle raising done.
• Cottage industries provide a source of earning to the people.
• Nomadic/semi-nomadic lifestyle.
• Huge mineral deposits such as coal etc. proven (work on their coal
exploitation has started).
• Infrastructure (roads, electric supply etc.) is inadequate.

Piedmont Plain
Q) What is a piedmont plain?
• Piedmont plains are located at the foothills of Sulaiman-Kirthar and
Himalayan mountains.
• Its most dominant feature is alluvial fans or cones.
• Alluvial fans or cones are developed when temporary rivers or streams,
formed after rainfall, reach the foothills and then split into narrow
channels.
• The material (sand, silt, gravel) brought down by water is also dropped
within the narrow channels (cone/fan shaped) that are formed.
• These (cone shaped) plains having alluvial soil are used for agricultural
purpose.

Tidal/Indus Delta
Q) Describe the relief and drainage of Indus Delta.
• The Indus Delta is located to the south of Thatta and extends up to the
Arabian Sea.
• River Indus here is divided into a number of tributaries and
distributaries, which are narrow and shallow.
• It is a flat region crossed by many channels flowing into the Arabian
Sea.
• In between these channels are tracts (areas) of alluvium.
• Due to continual deposition of silt, the channels have become shallow,
and the banks of these channels higher than the adjacent area.
• The area is covered by mangroves.