GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE OF PAKISTAN

Pakistani possesses immense geostrategic significance as it is located at the crossroads of Asia

and the Middle East. The total land area of 803,940 square kilometers is bordered by China in
the North, Iran and Afghanistan in the West, India in the east; the disputed territory of Jammu
and Kashmir in the Northeast and the Arabian Sea in the South.

The valuable land of Pakistan is categorized into five distinct geographic territories:

The Thar Desert and Lower Indus Valley, situated in the southernmost province of Sindh,
comprises mainly of arid valleys and rugged hills

The Balochistan Plateau is a vast, dry flatland that lies about 2,000 feet above the sea level in
the western part of Balochistan province. The plateau covers about one half of the country’s land
and is surrounded by rocky mountains.

The Northern Mountains render a heart throbbing picturesque with snowcapped mountain
peaks elevating more than 25,000 feet, beautiful deep valleys and snowy glaciers. K–2, world’s
second highest mountain is situated in the Karakorum Range and other famous peaks such as
Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and Gasherbrun.

The Indus Basin represents one of the largest contiguous irrigation system in the world. It lies
mostly in the province of Punjab. The name refers to the five major rivers (Indus, Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej) in the basin.

The North West Frontier Province is a region of rugged terrain and barren mountains
sheltering rich irrigated valleys. The provincial capital Peshawar is located on an ancient trade
route that is connected via Khyber Pass to Afghanistan.

Climate of Pakistan:

Seasonal temperatures vary distinctively in these five geographical regions. The summers are
generally arid throughout the country with temperatures upto120°F, with the exception of
northern region. There is little rainfall throughout a year. There are four seasons in Pakistan, a
cool winter from December to February; a hot, dry spring from March till May; the summer
monsoon period from June till September and the monsoon period of October and November.
The duration and intensity of these seasons show distinct variations in particular regions.

The climate in the capital city of Islamabad ranges from an average daily low of 2° C in January
to an average daily high of 40° C in June. One half of the annual rainfall occurs in July and
August, averaging about 255 mm in each month. During the spring season, hailstorms are
common.
The climate of Karachi is more humid than Islamabad but experiences relatively less rain. An
average more than 25 mm of rain is recorded in the months of July and August. Exceeding
dryness prevails all over the year. The temperature ranges from of 13° C in winters to 34° C on
summer days. Cool breezes from the Arabian Sea provide a relief in the hot summer days and the
winters are usually short.

Most areas in Punjab experience pleasantly cold winters. The southwest monsoon reaches Punjab
by May, the months of June and July are excessively hot. The temperatures can elevate up to 50
degree Celsius. In August, the heat intensity is lightened by the rainy season of “Barsat. A
relatively cooler weather returns by late October.

In the Far North, the summers are pleasant and the winters are extreme with perpetual snow all
over the mountains.

Rainfall:

The average yearly rainfall fluctuates from 6 inches in Karachi, 18 inches in Lahore to about 30
inches in Islamabad. Generally, Pakistan experiences most rain fall during the summer monsoon
from July to September.

Natural Hazards:

Pakistan encounters numerous earthquakes which are more common in Northern and Western
part. Floods usually occur during the heavy monsoon season (July and August), along the banks
of River Indus.

Physiography of Pakistan
Physiography denotes the natural surface features of a land, such as mountains, plateaus and
plains The land of Pakistan offers a great diversity of landscapes, a journey beginning from the
highly elevated mountain ranges in the North and Northwest, sheltering a complex of valleys to
vast plateaus which further step down to the extraordinarily fertile plain of River Indus that
eventually drains into the Arabian Sea.
The land also encompasses the prehistoric Silk Road and the Khyber Pass which provides a
gateway to Afghanistan. Treacherous peaks such as K2 and Nanga Parbat are considered as the
world’s highest mountains and an attraction to the climbers. The ancient site of Mohenjo-Daro
offers immense popularity to the Indus Plain.
1) Mountain Ranges:
The Karakoram Range, situated in the far North, stretches in an east-west direction from River
Hunza to River Shyok in China. The mountains elevate upto 6000 meters and the peak of K2 is
the 2nd highest peak of the world. The sharp cliffs form a rugged landscape that forms narrow
valleys. The Khunjerab pass offers a connection to China via the Silk route. Precipitation mainly
occurs in the form of snow. Glaciers such as Siachin, Baltoro and Batura are well-known
features of this range. Valleys include Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza.
The Himalayas lie in an east-west direction to the South of the Karakoram ranges. Their average
height is estimately 4000m.
The Hindu Kush Ranges encompass the North Western borders of Pakistan with average
elevation up to 5000 meters. The mainly originate from Afghanistan and are characterized by
infertile mountains, sharp slopes and fast flowing rivers. Trich Mir (7690 m) and Noshaq (7484
m) are the highest mountain peaks here. SakizJarab (30 kms) and Trich Mir (22 kms) glaciers are
also present here. The range also includes land connections such as Shandur and Lawari pass
which link Dir and Chitral regions.
2) Plateaus
Plateaus usually rise 300 meters above the sea level and are bound by steep slopes on one or
numerous sides. Pakistan has two major regions with these characteristics.
The Potwar Plateau lies mainly in the Northwestern Punjab and covers an area of about 18000
square kilometers. Its northern side is bordered by Margalla Hills Kala Chitta ranges.
Baluchistan Plateau positions on western side of Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges. It is bordered by
Iran, Afghanistan and Arabian Sea. The altitude ranges from 600 – 3000 m. It covers an area of
about 347,190 square kilometers. This plateau is a significant source of minerals resources such
as Natural gas, oil, gold, copper & coal.
3) Plains
Majority of the land of Pakistan comprises of flat and even surface known as a plain. The Indus
Plain is made by the alluvium deposits form River Indus which about 2900 km long. The river
originates from Manasarovar Lake in Tibet and travels down through Punjab and Sindh province
to the Arabian Sea. The Indus Plain divides into upper and lower Indus Plains.

Traditions and Cultures of Pakistan

The cultural practices of Pakistan demonstrate our rich heritage, morals and values. It mainly
originates by the amalgamation of the cultural influences from India, Central Asia and the
Middle East. There is a diversity of ethnic groups i.e. Punjabis, Sindhis, Kashmiris, Balochi and
Pakhtun tribes which constitute the Population of Pakistan.
Pakistani culture varies widely between the four provinces but some festivals are unanimously
respected and celebrated all over the country. Muslim religious festivals are celebrated according
to the Islamic (Lunar) Calendar. Islamic days of Shab-e-Qadar, Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj, Eid-
ul-Adha Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid Milad-un-Nabi and Ramadan are respected with immense faith and
commitment.
Significant national days such Independence Day, Pakistan Day, Defense Day, Air Force Day,
Iqbal Day and Quaid-e-Azam day are celebrated with great allegiance. Other traditional festivals
celebrated nationwide include Basant, Lok Virsa Mela, Urs, Jashn-e-Baharaan are considered as
essential. The Polo Festival at Shandur, Silk Route Festival, Norouz Festival, Mela Chiraghan,
Horse and Cattle Show are also popular festivities.
Language:
Although Urdu is the official language of Pakistan, it is spoken by only 8% of the population.
48% of the people speak Punjabi, 12% Sindhi, 10% Saraiki, 8% Pashto, 3% Baloch, and 11%
other languages. In the government ministries, English language is commonly spoken.
Religion: 
The basis of Pakistan was laid upon the Islamic values and principles and Islam encompasses
approximately 97% of the total population. People with minority religions such as Hindus,
Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis also reside in Pakistan.
Most of the festivals have an Islamic origin such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha which are
celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The Christian community celebrates Christmas and Easter
whereas the main festival of Buddhist community is Baisakhi Purnima which is marked as the
birth of Buddha. The Parsis celebrate their New Year (Naoroz) on 21 March. Pakistani Hindus
celebrate Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Festival of Colors).

Economic activities in Pakistan:

The economic activities in Pakistan vary from region to region depending upon the geographical
features that exist in the area.
Thar Desert
The economic opportunities in the desert terrain mostly include agriculture related activities of
dates, cherry, apples. Recreation and tourism is also a source of income. Farming is only
successful in the irrigated areas nearest to the Indus River however, the environmental challenges
make economic activities difficult here. Mining of mineral resources and coal is valuable in this
region.
Balochistan Plateau
The economy of Balochistan largely depends upon the production and extraction of natural gas,
minerals and coal. Agriculture and livestock are also major contributors of the Baloch economy.
Horticultural development is also growing in the recent years. The development of fisheries and
mining industries is also under growth. Cottage and small scale industries are the main source of
business as it is and underdeveloped area.
Indus Basin
The Indus basin is the major supplier of irrigation water of Pakistan so agricultural activities are
common here. It also supports various heavy industries and renders the main supply of potable
water in Pakistan. Farming and fishing are the major economic activities.
NWFP
The economy of NWFP depends on forestry (60 percent) and agriculture is the major industry
here and cash crops include maize, wheat, tobacco and rice. Marble production is the common
industry here.
Northern Pakistan
The main economic activities in the northern Pakistan include agriculture, tourism and
recreation. As limited resources are available in this area, forestry and trade provide economic
support to the population. Many cottage and small scale industries have been set up. The natural
beauty of the mountain ranges attract tourism which is beneficial to the local economy.
Waterpower can also be generated here. There are extensive mineral deposits here which can be
extracted to boost economy.