Pakistan's Geography - Exam-Focused Guide
Geography questions are commonly asked in PPSC, FPSC, and CSS exams. Understanding Pakistan's physical features, resources, and boundaries is essential.
1. Physical Features & Boundaries
- Total Area: 796,095 sq km (307,374 sq miles)
- Borders: India (East), Afghanistan (West & North), Iran (Southwest), China (Northeast)
- Coastline: 1,046 km along the Arabian Sea (Sindh & Balochistan)
- Highest Point: K2 (8,611m) - world's second highest peak
- Major Mountain Ranges: Karakoram, Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Sulaiman
2. River System - The Indus Basin
Pakistan's river system is one of the most tested geography topics:
- Indus River (Darya-e-Sindh): 2,880 km total, 1,010 km in Pakistan
- Major Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Signed between Pakistan and India, mediated by World Bank
- Pakistan got rights to Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
- India got rights to Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
3. Climate Zones
- North: Alpine and sub-alpine (cold, heavy snowfall)
- Punjab Plains: Semi-arid (hot summers, cool winters)
- Sindh: Arid/hot desert climate
- Balochistan: Arid with extreme temperatures
- Coastal: Moderate, humid along Arabian Sea
4. Provinces and Key Details
- Punjab: Largest by population, capital Lahore
- Sindh: Capital Karachi (also Pakistan's largest city)
- Balochistan: Largest by area, capital Quetta
- KP: Capital Peshawar, historically gateway to subcontinent
- Islamabad Capital Territory: Federal capital since 1967
- Gilgit-Baltistan & AJK: Administered territories
5. Natural Resources
- Minerals: Salt (Khewra - world's 2nd largest mine), copper (Reko Diq), coal (Thar), chromite (Balochistan)
- Energy: Tarbela Dam (largest earth-filled dam), Mangla Dam, Ghazi Barotha
- Natural Gas: Sui (Balochistan - first gas field discovered 1952)
- Forests: 4.8% of total area (juniper forests in Balochistan among the oldest)
Key Points
K2 (8,611m) is Pakistan\
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Preparation Tips
- Use a physical map of Pakistan while studying
- Memorize key numbers: areas, heights, river lengths
- Practice map-based questions from CSS past papers