Geography of Pakistan - Complete Guide

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)