Pakistan is located in South Asia and is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, China to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south. Its strategic location provides several important advantages:
- Chapter No.1 Introduction to Biology
- Chapter No. 2 Solving a Biological Problem
- Chapter No.3 Biodiversity
- Chapter No.4 Cells and Tissues
- Chapter No.5 Cell Cycle
Geostrategic Importance: Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes it a significant player in regional geopolitics. It serves as a bridge between the energy-rich regions of the Middle East and the resource-rich countries of Central Asia.
Access to International Trade Routes: Pakistan’s proximity to the Arabian Sea gives it access to important international trade routes. The deep-sea port of Gwadar, in particular, is strategically positioned at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, providing a shorter and more cost-effective trade route for Central Asian countries and China.
Economic Potential: The country’s diverse landscapes, including fertile plains, vast deserts, and high mountains, contribute to its economic potential. It is rich in natural resources such as coal, natural gas, minerals, and agricultural products, which can drive economic growth and development.
Defense and Security Significance: Pakistan’s location plays a crucial role in its defense and security. The natural barriers provided by the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains offer strategic advantages, and the proximity to Afghanistan has implications for regional security dynamics.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Pakistan is home to several ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Its location has been a crossroads for cultural interactions, resulting in a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and historical landmarks.
Regional Connectivity: Pakistan’s location is vital for fostering regional connectivity and cooperation. It is a member of regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Counterterrorism Efforts: Given its location near conflict-prone regions, Pakistan plays a critical role in global counterterrorism efforts. It has been actively engaged in combating terrorism and promoting stability in the region.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s land location offers tremendous strategic advantages in terms of geopolitics, trade, defense, and regional connectivity. Its position as a key player in South Asia makes it an important actor in regional and global affairs. As the country continues to develop and utilize its resources, its location will continue to be a significant factor in shaping its future trajectory.
Pakistan is a country with diverse geographical features, characterized by a varied landscape that includes mountains, plains, and plateaus. Here are some of the major physical features of Pakistan:
Himalayan Mountain Range: The northern region of Pakistan is dominated by the mighty Himalayan mountain range. Some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) and Nanga Parbat, are located in this region. The Himalayas serve as a natural border with China and are a significant source of rivers like the Indus and its tributaries.
Karakoram Range: The Karakoram Range is another prominent mountain range in northern Pakistan, known for its glaciated peaks and challenging mountaineering opportunities. It includes the Baltoro Glacier, one of the longest non-polar glaciers in the world.
Hindu Kush Range: To the northwest of Pakistan lies the Hindu Kush mountain range, extending into Afghanistan. It forms a natural boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Indus River Plains: The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through the central plains of Pakistan. The fertile alluvial plains along the Indus and its tributaries, such as the Punjab and Sindh plains, support extensive agriculture.
Balochistan Plateau: The southwestern region of Pakistan is dominated by the Balochistan Plateau, which is a vast arid and semi-arid region. It is characterized by rugged terrain, low mountains, and vast stretches of desert.
Thar Desert: Located in the southeastern part of Pakistan, the Thar Desert is a significant arid region known for its unique ecosystem and sand dunes.
Coastal Areas: Pakistan has a coastline along the Arabian Sea, stretching approximately 1,046 kilometers. The coastline is home to important ports, including Karachi and Gwadar.
Kirthar Range: The Kirthar Range runs along the western border of Sindh and Balochistan provinces, offering a series of low hills and plateaus.
Salt Range: The Salt Range is a series of low hills located in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. It is known for its salt mines and historical significance.
Suleman Range: The Suleman Range is a complex mountain system extending from Balochistan to the border with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
These diverse physical features of Pakistan contribute to its rich biodiversity, natural resources, and cultural heritage. They also play a vital role in shaping the climate, economy, and lifestyle of the people living in different regions of the country.
Climate of Pakistan can be classified into several major headings based on the different regions and their distinct climatic characteristics. Here are some of the key headings under which the climate of Pakistan can be described:
Tropical Climate
Coastal Areas: The coastal areas of Pakistan, including Karachi, experience a tropical climate. They are characterized by hot and humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C.
Arid and Desert Climate:
Thar Desert: The Thar Desert in the southeastern region of Pakistan experiences an arid climate. It is extremely hot during summers, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, and winters are relatively mild.
Semi-Arid Climate:
Balochistan Plateau: The Balochistan Plateau and parts of southern Punjab have a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching around 35°C, while winters are cool with temperatures dropping to single digits.
Mediterranean Climate:
Northern Coastal Areas: The northern coastal areas of Pakistan, such as Gwadar, have a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Mountainous and Alpine Climate:
Northern Mountainous Regions: The northern mountainous regions, including the Himalayas and Karakoram Range, have an alpine climate. Summers are cool with temperatures around 20°C, and winters are cold with heavy snowfall in higher elevations.
Subtropical Climate
Northern Plains: The northern plains, including major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, have a subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures around 30-40°C, and winters are cool with temperatures dropping to single digits.
Highland Climate:
Murree and Northern Hill Stations: Highland areas such as Murree and other northern hill stations experience a pleasant climate in summers with temperatures around 20°C. Winters are cold with occasional snowfall.
Monsoon Climate:
Indus River Plains: The plains along the Indus River and its tributaries experience a monsoon climate. They receive most of their rainfall during the monsoon season (July to September), which is essential for agriculture.
Cold Desert Climate:
Skardu and Gilgit: Some areas in the northern regions, like Skardu and Gilgit, have a cold desert climate with extremely cold winters and relatively mild summers.
Continental Climate:
Central and Northern Regions: The central and northern regions of Pakistan have a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
Major Glaciers of Pakistan
Siachen Glacier
Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalayas.
Details: It is one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions and is known as the world’s highest battlefield due to territorial disputes between India and Pakistan.
Biafo Glacier
Biafo Glacier is situated in the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Details: It is one of the longest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions, extending over 63 kilometers.
Hispar Glacier
Hispar Glacier is also located in the Karakoram Range, adjacent to the Biafo Glacier.
Details: It is the 3rd longest glacier in the world outside the polar regions, stretching over 49 kilometers.
Baltoro Glacier
Baltoro Glacier is in the central Karakoram Range, also in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Details: It is one of the most famous glaciers and serves as the pathway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain.
Major Rivers of Pakistan
Indus River
The Indus River is the longest and most significant river in Pakistan. It originates in Tibet, flows through northern Pakistan, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea near Karachi. It is the lifeline of Pakistan’s agriculture and economy, providing water for irrigation and hydropower generation.
Jhelum River
The Jhelum River is one of the five major rivers of Punjab, Pakistan. It originates from the Himalayas and joins the Chenab River near Trimmu to form the Chenab-Jhelum River.
Chenab River
The Chenab River is the largest river in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It is formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and flows through Pakistani Punjab, joining the Sutlej River.
Ravi River
The Ravi River is another important river of Punjab. It rises in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and enters Pakistan through Chamba district. It flows through the eastern part of Pakistan before joining the Chenab River.
Sutlej River
Details: The Sutlej River is the easternmost of the five rivers of Punjab. It originates in Tibet and enters Pakistan through the Himalayas. It eventually joins the Chenab River in Punjab.
Beas River
Details: The Beas River is a small river that flows through India’s Punjab state and enters Pakistan before merging with the Sutlej River.
Kabul River
Details: The Kabul River originates in Afghanistan and flows through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan before merging with the Indus River.
These glaciers and rivers play a crucial role in Pakistan’s ecosystem, providing water for agriculture, hydropower generation, and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people living along their banks.
Pakistan has an extensive canal system that plays a vital role in the country’s agriculture and economy. These canals are fed by the Indus River and its tributaries, which ensure the irrigation of vast agricultural lands. The major canals of Pakistan include:
Indus River System
This is the largest and most significant canal system in Pakistan, fed by the Indus River and its tributaries. It includes multiple canals, and the water is distributed through barrages and headworks to various regions of Punjab and Sindh for irrigation purposes.
Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal
This canal is one of the oldest and most significant canals in Punjab. It originates from the Ravi River and serves to irrigate the vast agricultural lands in the districts of Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib.
Sidhnai-Mailsi-Bahawal Link Canal
This canal connects the Sidhnai Barrage on the Sutlej River to the Mailsi and Bahawal canals. It helps in supplying water to the southern regions of Punjab, including Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts.
Rasul-Qadirabad Link Canal
This canal links the Rasul Barrage on the Jhelum River to the Qadirabad Barrage on the Chenab River. It facilitates the transfer of water from the Jhelum to the Chenab for irrigation purposes.
Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal
This canal connects the Taunsa Barrage on the Indus River to the Panjnad River, which eventually flows into the Chenab River. It diverts water from the Indus to the Panjnad for irrigation in the southern Punjab region.
Warsak Canal
This canal diverts water from the Kabul River to the Warsak Dam and further supplies it for irrigation in Peshawar and surrounding areas.
Gomal Zam Dam Canal System
This canal system is associated with the Gomal Zam Dam and is located in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It provides water for agriculture in the arid region.
Sukkur Barrage Canals
The Sukkur Barrage on the Indus River serves as a major water diversion point for various canals in Sindh, including Nara, Rohri, and Khirthar canals, ensuring irrigation in the region.
In Pakistan, forests cover a significant portion of the land, providing various environmental, economic, and social benefits. The major forest types found in Pakistan are:
Tropical and Subtropical Dry Deciduous Forests
These forests are primarily found in the lower foothills and plains of Punjab and Sindh. Acacia, shisham, and kikar are some of the common tree species found in these regions.
Tropical Thorn Forests
These forests are mainly located in the arid and semi-arid regions of Sindh and Balochistan. Trees and shrubs like acacia, tamarisk, and wild olive are prevalent in this type of forest.
Subtropical Pine Forests
These forests are found in the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Chir pine is the dominant tree species in these regions.
Subtropical Broadleaved Hill Forests
These forests are present in the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab. Oak, maple, and pine trees are common in these areas.
Subtropical Moist Broadleaved Forests
These forests are found in the northern parts of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Walnut, chestnut, and fir trees are prominent in these regions.
Temperate Coniferous Forests
These forests are located in the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan. Spruce, deodar, and blue pine are the main tree species in these regions.
Forests in Pakistan are of great ecological importance as they help in conserving soil, maintaining water resources, and mitigating the impact of climate change. They are also a habitat for various wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects. Moreover, forests provide raw materials for various industries, such as timber, paper, and medicine, contributing to the country’s economy.
However, over the years, deforestation and illegal logging have posed significant threats to Pakistan’s forests. To address these challenges, the government and various non-governmental organizations have taken measures to promote afforestation, sustainable forest management, and conservation practices to ensure the preservation of this valuable natural resource for future generations.
Pakistan is home to a diverse range of wildlife, owing to its varied topography and climatic conditions. The country’s wildlife includes a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. Some of the prominent wildlife found in Pakistan are:
Snow Leopard
The snow leopard is one of the most iconic and elusive species found in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It is a critically endangered species and is protected under various conservation initiatives.
Markhor
The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan and is found in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Known for its impressive spiral horns, the markhor is also listed as an endangered species and is protected through conservation efforts.
Himalayan Brown Bear
The Himalayan brown bear is found in the northern regions of Pakistan, primarily in the Gilgit-Baltistan area. It is an important predator in the ecosystem and is also considered a vulnerable species.
Indus River Dolphin
The Indus River dolphin is a unique freshwater species found in the Indus River system in Pakistan. It is one of the rarest dolphin species and is classified as endangered.
Chukar Partridge
The chukar partridge is a common game bird found in the rocky regions of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Punjab. It is well-known for its distinctive call and is often hunted for sport.
Houbara Bustard
The houbara bustard is a migratory bird that visits Pakistan during the winter season. It is found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Balochistan and Sindh. The species is listed as vulnerable due to hunting and habitat loss.
Mugger Crocodile
The mugger crocodile is found in freshwater bodies and marshlands of Pakistan, including the Indus River and its tributaries. It is one of the two crocodile species found in the country.
Various Species of Birds
Pakistan is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 700 bird species recorded. The diverse landscapes provide suitable habitats for various migratory and resident bird species, including vultures, eagles, parrots, and pheasants.
Marine Life
Pakistan’s coastal areas are rich in marine biodiversity, with species like green sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and various types of fish and crustaceans.
Conservation efforts in Pakistan aim to protect and preserve the country’s wildlife and their habitats. Several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas have been established to safeguard endangered species and promote sustainable practices for wildlife management and habitat conservation. However, challenges such as habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change continue to pose threats to the country’s diverse wildlife.
Pakistan is a diverse country with a variety of natural regions, each characterized by distinct geographical features, climate, and vegetation. The major natural regions of Pakistan are as follows:
Northern Mountains
This region includes the northernmost parts of Pakistan, comprising the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountain ranges. It is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Nanga Parbat, and Broad Peak. Glaciers, valleys, and deep gorges are common features of this region.
Indus Plain
The Indus Plain is a vast alluvial plain located in the eastern part of Pakistan, formed by the Indus River and its tributaries. It is one of the most fertile regions of the country and supports extensive agriculture. Major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan are located in this plain.
Balochistan Plateau
Balochistan Plateau is a vast, arid region in the southwestern part of Pakistan. It is characterized by rugged mountains, barren deserts, and dry plateaus. The region is sparsely populated and faces challenges of water scarcity.
Potohar Plateau
The Potohar Plateau is a hilly region located in the northern part of Punjab province. It is known for its rocky landscape and is rich in mineral resources.
Thar Desert
Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in the southeastern part of Pakistan, primarily in Sindh province. It is a large arid region with rolling sand dunes and scarce vegetation.
Coastal Areas
Pakistan has a coastline along the Arabian Sea, which includes the coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The coastal areas are characterized by sandy beaches, mangroves, and important wetlands.
Hill Stations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir
These regions include picturesque hill stations such as Murree, Nathiagali, and Ayubia in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Swat Valley in Azad Kashmir. These areas are known for their pleasant weather and lush greenery, attracting tourists from all over Pakistan.
Each of these natural regions contributes to Pakistan’s unique biodiversity and provides a habitat for various plant and animal species. Understanding and preserving the diverse natural regions are crucial for sustainable development and conservation efforts in the country.
Major Environmental Hazards in Pakistan
Air Pollution: The rapid industrialization, vehicular emissions, and burning of solid waste contribute to air pollution in major cities of Pakistan. This leads to respiratory problems and other health issues.
Water Pollution: Discharge of untreated industrial and domestic wastewater into rivers and water bodies contaminates the water, making it unsafe for drinking and irrigation. This results in waterborne diseases and ecological damage.
Deforestation: Uncontrolled logging and land clearance for agriculture have led to deforestation, causing loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and adverse climate effects.
Land Degradation: Soil erosion, desertification, and improper waste disposal have degraded agricultural lands, leading to reduced crop yields and environmental degradation.
Natural Disasters: Pakistan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, which cause loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of communities.
Climate Change: Pakistan is vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and melting glaciers, affecting agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity.
Remedies for Environmental Hazards
Air Pollution Control: Implement strict emission standards for industries and vehicles, promote cleaner technologies, and invest in public transport systems to reduce air pollution.
Water Quality Management: Improve wastewater treatment infrastructure, implement water quality monitoring, and raise public awareness about the importance of clean water sources.
Afforestation and Reforestation: Encourage tree plantation drives, enforce forest protection laws, and promote sustainable forestry practices to combat deforestation.
Soil Conservation: Implement soil conservation measures, such as terracing and contour farming, to prevent soil erosion and degradation.
Disaster Preparedness: Develop and implement effective disaster management plans, early warning systems, and community-based preparedness programs to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
Climate Change Adaptation: Formulate and implement climate change adaptation strategies, such as water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Renewable Energy Promotion: Invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Education: Raise awareness about environmental issues through educational campaigns, seminars, and workshops to encourage public participation in conservation efforts.
Enforcement of Environmental Laws: Strengthen environmental laws and regulations, and ensure their effective enforcement to hold polluters accountable and promote responsible environmental practices.
International Cooperation: Collaborate with other countries and international organizations to address cross-border environmental issues and access funds for environmental projects and initiatives.
By implementing these remedies and promoting sustainable practices, Pakistan can address its major environmental hazards and work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.