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Geography of Pakistan:

Pakistan is a diverse and geographically varied country located in South Asia, bordered by India
to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, and China to the north. It has a coastline along the
Arabian Sea to the south. The geography of Pakistan encompasses a wide range of physical
features, including mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and a rich river system.

Mountain Ranges:

Himalayan Range: The northernmost region of Pakistan is home to the Himalayan Range, where
some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain globally, are
situated. This region is characterized by rugged terrain and glaciated peaks.

Karakoram Range: Adjacent to the Himalayas, the Karakoram Range runs through the northern
parts of Pakistan, forming a natural border with China. The Karakoram Range is renowned for its
high peaks and glaciers, and it houses many of the world's highest peaks, including K2.

Hindu Kush Range: Extending into the northwestern part of Pakistan, the Hindu Kush Range is
another significant mountain system. This range separates the mountainous regions of Pakistan
from the Central Asian countries.

Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges: These ranges are located in the western and southwestern parts
of Pakistan, forming natural boundaries between the country and Afghanistan to the west and
Balochistan to the south.

Plains:

Indus Plains: The fertile plains of the Indus River make up a significant portion of Pakistan's
landscape. These plains are the country's breadbasket and host major cities such as Lahore,
Faisalabad, and Multan.
Deserts:

Thar Desert: Situated in the southeastern part of Pakistan, the Thar Desert is a vast arid region
that extends into India. It is characterized by sand dunes and a semi-arid climate.
Rivers:

Indus River: The Indus River is the lifeline of Pakistan, flowing from the Himalayas in the north
to the Arabian Sea in the south. It is one of the longest rivers in the world and plays a crucial role
in the country's agriculture.

Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej Rivers: These are the major tributaries of the Indus
River, collectively forming the extensive Indus River system.
Minerals:

Coal: Pakistan has significant coal reserves, primarily found in the Thar region. Efforts are
underway to harness this resource for energy production.

Natural Gas and Petroleum: Pakistan has substantial reserves of natural gas and petroleum, with
major fields located in Sui (Balochistan) and Qadirpur (Sindh).

Mineral Resources: Pakistan is rich in various minerals, including limestone, gypsum, rock salt,
and chromite. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces are particularly known for their
mineral wealth.

Gemstones: Pakistan is known for its production of various gemstones, including emeralds from
Swat Valley and rubies from the Hunza Valley.

Copper and Gold: The Reko Diq area in Balochistan has significant reserves of copper and gold,
attracting attention for potential mining projects.

Salt: The Khewra Salt Mine in Punjab is one of the world's largest and oldest salt mines,
producing a variety of salt products.

In summary, the geography of Pakistan is characterized by diverse landscapes, including high


mountain ranges, expansive plains, and arid deserts. This diversity extends to its mineral wealth,
with the country being rich in various resources critical for its economic development.

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