SIR ADNAN QURESHI PAKISTAN STUDIES-GEOGRAPHY-CHAPTER 1________________________

CHAPTER 1: TOPOGRAPHY AND LOCATION OF PAKISTAN

EARTH IN A GLANCE:

The Earth is divided into two hemispheres, the northern and southern hemispheres. The centre line
which divides the two is called the Equator.

LINES OF LATITUDE ANS LONGITUDE:

LOCATION OF PAKISTAN:

 Pakistan is located between latitudes 24ᵒ N and 37ᵒ N and stretches from longitude 61ᵒE and
78ᵒE.
 Pakistan is located in South Asia.
 Iran is located in the South-West of Pakistan. In the north-west Pakistan share a border (Durand
Line) with Afghanistan. Wakhan Strip in north-west separates Pakistan from Tajikistan.
 India is located in the east of Pakistan.
 China is in the extreme north-east of Pakistan.
 Arabian Sea is in the South of Pakistan.
IMPORTANCE OF LOCATION OF PAKISTAN:

 From the strategic and economic point of view Pakistan enjoys a key position in the South Asia.
 There are few links by land to the north and north-west because of the large mountain ranges
and the climate, however, the Khyber Pass provides a route to Afghanistan and the Karakoram
Highway now makes communication with China easier.
 Pakistan’s coastline on the Arabian Sea is in a central position for trading by sea both with South
Asia and the Far East and beyond and with the Middle East to the west.
 In addition, some of the air routes between west and east pass through Pakistan because of this
central position.
 Karachi is a natural border and important warm water port, allow trade throughout the year.
 Karachi Port also serves as a re-fueling stop for the ships.
 Pakistan’s seaports also serve the landlocked neighbouring countries (Afghanistan) and earn
valuable foreign exchange.
 Pakistan being just above the Tropic of Cancer makes agriculture carried on throughout the
year.
 There are number of mountains (Northern) ranges with protect us from the cold Siberian winds.
 Number of glaciers (in Northern Mountains) helps to increase the volume of water in the rivers.
 Experiences all types of seasons due to which approximately every types of crops, vegetables
and fruits can be cultivated.

TOPOGRAPHY OF PAKISTAN:

Topography/ Relief/ Landscape/ Physical/ Physio-graphical/ Landform.

Topography (Topos, “Place” and grapho, “Write”) is the study of surface, shape and features of the
Earth.
Pakistan is divided into the following physio-graphic regions:

 The Northern Mountains.

 The Western Highlands.
 The Lowland/ Indus Plan and Tidal Delta.
 The Desert Areas.
 The Coastal Region.

THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS:

There are three mountain ranges in the North.

Northern Mountains divided into North-eastern Mountains and North-western Mountains.

SPECIFICATION NORTH-EASTERN MOUNTAINS NORTH-WESTERN

MOUNTAINS
RANGE Karakoram Himalayas Hindu Kush
AVERAGE HEIGHT 6000 metres 4000 metres 5000 metres
HIGHEST PEAK K-2 (Godwin Austin 2) Nanga Parbat Tirich Mir
PASSESS Khunjerab Babusar, Banihal Shandur
VALLEYS Skardu, Shyok, Shigar Rapul, Kaghan Swat, Dir, Hunza,
Chitral, Kailash
GLACIERS Siachen, Biafo, Baltora, Nanga Parbat Tirich Mir, Rich
Batura
RIVERS Gilgit, Shyok, Hunza Indus Panjkora, Kunar, Swat
TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS:

 Parallel ranges run mainly from west to east.

 The height of the ranges increases from south to north.
 Permanent snowfields/ glaciers.
 Steep, deep and narrow valleys e.g. Swat Valley, Hunza Valley etc. and gorges.
 Fast flowing rivers. E.g. Shyok, Gilgit.
 Rugged/Irregular landscape
 Alluvial Fans
 Pyramid/ Conical shaped sharp peaks.
DRAINAGE FEATURES OF THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS:

 The River Indus and its tributaries which originate from the Northern Mountains, dominate the
drainage pattern of the Northern Mountains.
 Eastern tributaries of River Indus (Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, Ravi and Beas) originate from the
Himalayas and after passing through Kashmir, enter into the plain areas where they (as Panjnad)
join River Indus.
 The River Indus and its tributaries form the features like Gorges, Waterfalls, Rapids, Streams and
Springs.
LIFESTYLE AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS:

 Economy had developed on traditional lines.

 The rugged landscape of the Mountain makes it difficult to move either on foot or vehicles.
 Even the passes are at high altitudes like the Karakoram Pass is at 5568 metres.
 Most of the population depends on primarily subsistence agriculture and cattle breeding.
 Farming is practised on terraced fields where soil is suitable and water is available.
 Apple, Barley and Millet are the main crops.
 At some places, rice is also cultivated where water is plentiful.
 Semi-nomadic or transhumance life is practised.

 Transhumance- Seasonal movement of pastoral farmers and their livestock seeking fresh
pasture between two areas of different climatic conditions.
 During winter, people work in cottage and small-scale industries.
 Tourism is also popular, domestic and foreign tourists visit these places mainly in the Summer
season.
 These mountains have major hydro-electric potential.
 There are coniferous and alpine forests which are being deforested for timber and fire-wood.
 Low population density due to harsh climate and lack of infrastructure facilities.

IMPORTANCE OF NORTHERN AREAS:

 They protect from cold Central Asian or Siberian winds from the north and north-west.
 Provide a natural border with China, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics.
 Land route through Karakoram Highway has been opened to carry out trade.
 Scenic beauty attracts tourists; Mountaineering, Jeep riding, Valleys and Polo are the main
attractions.
 Provide minerals, timber and fruits.
 Have historical places which attract tourists.
 Snow-capped peaks melt during summer to provide water to Indus and its tributaries.
 Rivers that flow on their slopes are helpful for irrigation and generation of hydro-electricity.
  Stop the Monsoon winds and cause rainfall.
 Their valleys are noted for the cultivation of fruits like apples, peaches and crops like tea and
saffron.
 Many medicinal plants and herbs of high economic value are grown in these areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

 Deforestation and over-grazing caused soil erosion.

 Deforestation has increased due to demand for firewood and timber.
 Construction of roads and resorts causes landslides.
 Rapid population growth has resulted in rapid pollution.
 People living on hills suffer due to polluted water.

TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF WESTERN MOUNTAINS:

 The western mountains are divided into four parts. The Safed Koh, The Waziristan Hills, The
Suleiman Mountains and The Kirthar Hills.
 Consist of several parallel ranges run from north to south and south-west.
 Most of these ranges are dry and barren.
 Small streams and torrents begin to flow in rainy seasons.
 The river beds are usually dry but occasional torrential rains cause destructive floods.
 Steep, deep and narrow valleys. E.g. Banu, Kohat, Peshawar etc. and gorges.
 Number of small rivers e.g. Kabul, Kurram, Gomal, Tochi etc.
 Rugged and hard landscape.
 Pyramid/ Conical shaped sharp peaks.
 Alluvial fans.
 Deposits of clay and boulders.

DRAINAGE FEATURES OF THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS:

 Western tributaries of the River Indus include Kabul, Kurram, Gomal, Tochi, dominate the
drainage pattern of the areas.
 The Bolan River is the main river of Suleiman Range.
 In the South, the Kirthar is drained by the Hub and Liyari rivers.
 Hangol and Dasht rivers flow in the south-west of Balochistan.
LIFESTYLE AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS:

 Mountains mostly are bare of vegetation.

 Climate and relief are not suitable for agriculture.
 Transport facilities are limited.
 Few areas are connected by metalled roads, most are un-metalled.
 Except for few cities, rest is unconnected from air or rail.
 Difficult life due to rugged landscape.
 Developmental projects have not been established due to high costs of construction.
 Nomadic lifestyle is practised with livestock farming as main profession.
 Population density is lower than 100 persons per square kilometers. (Kharan: less than 25/km 2)
 Abundance of minerals, but very difficult to extract.

IMPORTANCE OF THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS:

 Because of these ranges, cool winds and temperate cyclones coming from Iran and the
Mediterranean cannot easily enter the eastern part of Pakistan i.e., plains of Punjab and Sindh
and protect these areas from chilling winter.
 These mountain ranges have many passes that provide routes to connect different areas.
 Four broad passes which provide easy means of transportation and communication are Khyber
Pass, Kurram Pass, Tochi Pass and Gomal Pass.
 These passes have been much used for trade and communication between Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
 These mineral rich mountain ranges and their passes that provide important trade routes,
enhance the economic importance of the region.

POTWAR PLATEAU:

Location:

It is located in the south of Islamabad between River Indus and River Jhelum.
Topographical Features:

 Height varies from 300-600 metres.

 Residual hills rise over 1000 metres.
 Large part has been eroded by action on running water and has a varied landscape.
 ‘Band land Topography’ due to dissection.
 Landscape of ridges, ravines and troughs.
 So’an River has formed gullies and large alluvial plains.

SALT RANGE:

 Mountain ranges covering Jhelum, Chakwal, Kalabagh, Mianwali districts.

 Salt mines at Khewra 160 km from Islamabad.
 Average height: 750-900 metres.’
 Sakesar Peak (1527 m) is the highest point.
 Lakes like Kallar Kahar and Khabeki add to the scenic beauty.
 Drainage Features of the Potwar Plateau and Salt range:

 There are number of perennial and non-perennial canals streams in the Potwar Plateau which
swell up in the rainy season.
 River Sohan is an important river which flows through the Potwar Plateau and joins River Indus.
 There are number of salt lakes in the plateau such as Kallar Kahar and Khabeki which add to the
scenic beauty of this area.

Economic activities and Lifestyle in Potwar Plateau and Salt Range:

 Mining is done for marble, rock salt, dolomite etc as these areas are rich in non-metallic
minerals.
 Number of oil and gas fields are also located in this region. Attock Oil Refinery is refining the oil
produced in Potwar Plateau.
 Farming depends on rainfall as on rugged landscape irrigation is not possible.
 Wheat, maize, barley and gram are cultivated.
 Road, rail and transport facilities are available.
 Small slat lakes in the plateau such as Kallar Kahar and Khabeki add the scenic beauty of the area
and attract tourists.
 High population density.

BALOCHISTAN PLATEAU:

Topographical Features:

 Balochistan Plateau is covered with hills and mountains.

 Average height of the plateau is 1000 metres.
 Western part is dominated with a number of parallel ranges which have a general east-west
trend.
 Important ranges from south to north are Makran Coast Ranges, Central Makran Ranges, Ras
Koh and Chagai Hills.
 East of Quetta is Toba Kakar Ranges.
 Limestone. Shale and sandstone rocks are pre-dominating.
 There are many basins and valleys lying between the hills and mountains.
 Rivers of Balochistan are mostly dry channels which contain water when rainfall occurs on the
hills.
 The valley floors are covered with sand, silt and clay where very limited agriculture is carried on.
 Most of Balochistan has thin infertile soil which is sandy and gravelly.
 There are sand dunes at many places.
 Coastal areas of Balochistan are divided into eastern and western parts.
 Eastern part comprises of Lasbela Plain marked by gravel and sand dune.
 Western part is the Makran coast.
Drainage Features:

 There are number of small rivers in Pakistan which dominate the drainage pattern of Balochistan
Plateau.
 Rivers like Zhob, Khandar, and Kalachi drain into River Indus because they flow eastwards.
 The rivers Loralai, Chakar, Bolan and Mula are absorbed into Kachhi Sibi Plain.
 The rivers like Hub, Porali, Hingol, Mashkel flow into the Arabian Sea.
 There are many small rivers that flow westwards and drain into shallow depression called
Hamuns, also called Playa. Hamun-e-Mashkel on the western side is biggest salt lakes.

Economic activities and Lifestyle in Balochistan Plateau:

 People face a scarcity of both drinking and irrigated water.

 Small water schemes such as Karez system, flood diversion and a small number of tube wells
mostly supply water.
 There is an absence of link roads between producing areas and the main cities and roads.
 The railway line covers only a limited area.
 Crop farming and livestock raising are the main occupations of the people.
 Saindak-Copper-Gold Project and the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation is also working
there.
 Balochistan has appreciable deposits of crude oil and natural gas.
 Still large part of the plateau untapped.
 75% of the total production of fruits is produced here.
 Main fruits include dates, grapes, apples, almonds, apricots, plums, peaches, melons and
pomegranates.
 Cold winters suits the cultivation of the vegetable seeds.
 Nomadic livestock farming is common in this region.
  Fishing activity is done for domestic and commercial purpose.
 3 main fishing ports are Gwadar, Pasni and Ormara.

INDUS PLAIN:

 The Indus Plain were formed by the alluvium laid down by the Indus and its tributaries.
 The Indus is joined by a number of tributaries which are major rivers.
 They have played an important and active part in the building the Indus Plain.
 These rivers are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas.
 The Beas joins the Sutlej River before entering Pakistan.
 The Sutlej joined Chenab at Panjnad and now known as Panjnad river.
 The Panjnad River joins river Indus at Mithankot.
 Indus Plain is divided into Upper and Lower Indus Plain. Above Mithankot is called the Upper
Plain and below it is called the Lower Indus Plain.

COMPARISON OF TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATUES AND DRAINAGE OF UPPER INDUS PLAIN WITH LOWER
INDUS PLAIN:
 Topography:
 Both areas are flat/gently undulating
 Land higher in Upper Indus Plain/lower in Lower Indus Plain
 Both areas mainly alluvial/have active flood plain/old flood plain
 Doabs mainly a feature of the Upper Indus Plain /not or rarely found in Lower Indus Plain
 Bar uplands/alluvial terraces in Upper Indus Plain only
 A few low hills in both areas
 Quartzite/slate hills in Upper Indus Plain whereas limestone hills/cuestas in Lower Indus
Plain Piedmont plains and alluvial fans in both
 Both areas have rolling sand dunes

Drainage:
 Indus has many tributaries in Upper Indus Plain but few in Lower Indus
Plain
 Indus has 4/5 large left/east bank tributaries in Upper Indus Plain
 Indus has 1 large and several small right/west bank tributaries in Upper Indus Plain’
 Tributaries contribute a huge amount of water to Indus in Upper Indus Plain but very little
water to Indus in Lower Indus Plain
 Meanders/braiding/ox-bows/swamps/etc. common in both areas
 Indus delta at southern end of Lower Indus Plain not in Upper Indus Plain
 Wider river in Lower Indus Plain /narrower in Upper Indus Plain
 LIP over 1.6 miles wide Upper Indus Plain 1.4-1.6 miles wide

Topographical Features:

The landform of the Indus Plain has the following distinct features.

 Active flood plains

 Old flood plains
 Alluvial terraces
 Piedmont Plains
 Tidal Delta
 Rolling sand plains

Active Flood Plains:

 Locally known as ‘bet’ or ‘khaddar’ land.

 Closest land near river.
 Narrow strip of land on both sides of the river.
 Flooded (inundated) almost every year.
 Contain meanders, levees and oxbow lakes.
 These are found along all the rivers except the southern half of the River Ravi due to the low
volume of water.
 These features exist on both the Upper and Lower Indus Plains.
Old Flood Plain:

 Area between active flood plain and alluvial terraces.

 Covered with old alluvium, deposited I past.
 Only flooded in heavy monsoon rainfall.
 Contain abandoned channels, meanders scars, remains of ox-bows.

Scarp/ Cliff/ Bluff:

 Steeper area.
 Connects Old flood plain with the bar-up-land.
 Dave from the floods.

Features of Area A:
Active flood plain/bet/khaddar
 Flooded every/most years/frequently
 New alluvium/alluvium deposited every year/meanders/oxbows/ levees (up to 2 from this line)
 Dry/braided channels
 10-18 km/around 15 km wide - 2-3 m above river level
 Flat/level/plain

Features of Area B:
Old flood plain/Meander flood plain/ Cover flood plain
 10-15 m wide/around 12 m
 Flooded every 7/8 years/when severe floods occur
 Old alluvium (old) levees/abandoned channels/dhoros /meander (scars)/dried ox-bows/dhands (up to 2
from this line)
 3-5 m above river level/around 4 m

Features of Area C:
Scarp/ Bluff/ Cliff
 Steep slope/5-11 m high
 5-8 m wide/around 6 m

Features of Area D:
Alluvial Terrace/ Bar
 Old alluvium/bhangar/Sindh Sagar is covered by sand
 10-12 m above river level/around 11 m
 25-30 km wide
 Flat/level/plain

ALLUVIAL TERRACES:

 Alluvial terraces have developed in some parts of the interfluves of the Upper Indus Valley.
 There interfluves are locally called Doabs and the terraces are called Bars.
 There are areas of higher ground between rivers, formed by erosion of old alluvium.
 Also called ‘scalloped interfluves and Bar upland.’
 Surface is flat and has a south-west slope.
 Ideal for agriculture and residence.
 Bar-uplands are safe from floods.
 Sandal Bar on Rechna Doab, Ganji Bar on Chaj Bar, Nili Bar on Bari Doab and Kerana Bar on Chaj
Doab (the land between two rivers).

PIEDMONT PLAINS:

 Plains located at foothills of mountains namely Suleiman, Kirthar and Himalayas (The Sawaliks).
 Most dominant feature is alluvial fans.
 Formed by the deposition of the rivers.
 These rivers flow only where and when rainfall takes place.
 Rivers come down the mountain slopes at great speed.
 The stream split into a number of channels.
 Gravel, sand and alluvium deposited by rivers from alluvial fans.
 A number of the small piedmont plains have developed in the northern Punjab.
 Piedmont plains are mainly agricultural areas.
TIDAL DELTA:

 The Indus River has built a large delta at its mouth.

 A delta is often triangular or fan-shaped with the main distributaries branching out from the
main river like the ribs of a fan and join with Arabian Sea.
 Sea water often fills up troughs between the distributaries, resulting in swamps.
 Alluvium deposited on banks of the distributaries.
 Indus delta has ‘tidal flats’ with mangrove swamps.
 Low and flat areas.
 The Indus delta is located to the south of the Thatta.

CUESTAS/ ESCARPMENT:

 Limestone ridges.
 Have gentle slope on one side and steep on other.
 Prominent features occurring on the Lower Indus Plains are Cuestas.

Examples:

 Rohri Cuesta in Lower Sindh, Gango Thakkar in Hyderabad and Mangho Pir in Karachi.

Importance:

 Limestone sources, basic raw material used in formation of cement.

 Add to scenic beauty.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLE IN INDUS PLAIN:

 Agriculture.
 Extensive land irrigation system.
 Most developed region.
 Infrastructure facilities easier to provide.
 Electricity on Grid System.
 Transport facilities present.
 Number of large and medium scale industries.
 Population density varies from 50 to over 400 persons per sq.km.

DESERT AREAS:

 Desert is an area of low precipitation and high evaporation.

 A region that receives less than 10 inches (250 mm) of annual rainfall is called desert.
 Desert areas in Pakistan are,
a. Thal Desert located between Indus and Jhelum rivers on Sindh Sagar Doab.
b. Thar Desert in south-eastern half of Pakistan. It is divided into 3 parts:
  Cholistan (Southern Punjab)
 Nara (North-eastern Sindh)
 Tharparkar (Eastern Sindh)
c. Kharan Desert (western Balochistan)

Topographical Features:

 Sand dunes/ ridges which are longitudinal/ latitudinal.

 Sand plains formed by the action of winds.
 Gently undulation plain.
 Wide inter dual valleys (between the sand dunes) with silty and clayey sediments.
 Cracks in the rocks due to effects of weathering.
 Barren/ bare rock due to lack of water.
 Rolling sand hills.
 Wind keeps on changing landscape.
Economic Activities and Lifestyle in Desert:

 Farming is possible only by irrigation.

 Tough life due to lack of food and water.
 Low population density.
 Discovery of oil and gas fields has made them somewhat productive.
 Thar Desert has been converted into farmland by canals from Sukkur Barrage built on the River
Indus.
 Nomadic lifestyle is common.

PAST PAPER QUESTIONS:

Q: Study Fig 1, on your answer paper:

(i) name country A, China

(ii) name city B, Peshawar
(iii) name the river C, Chenab
(iv) name the plain D, Upper Indus (Plain) / Punjab
(v) State the number in °N of the line of latitude E. 28°N

Q: Explain how topography and drainage cause problems for farming in Balochistan. [4]

Topography
 lack of fertility, soil erosion, use of machinery, irrigation
 mountains
 plateaux
 steep slopes -stony soil
 thin soil
 barren land
 ‘mountains/rugged topography unsuitable for farming’

Drainage
 inland drainage basins/salt lakes -few/small rivers
 rivers dry up/evaporate
 much percolation/loss of water through soil - ‘lack of water for farming’

Q: Study Fig. 1, a map of North West Frontier Province: [5]

(i) Name area A, FATA

(ii) Name the country B, Afghanistan

(iii) Name the river C, Mastuj

(iv) Name the range of mountains D, Safed Koh/Waziristan Hills

(v) Name the major pass through these mountains E. Khyber

i . Name the deserts X and Y. [2]

X: Thar/Nara/Cholistan/Tharparkar Y: Thal

(ii) Describe the scene in Photograph A. [4]

 Dry/desert
 Camels
 Bare/sandy ground/ barren
 Low bushes or sparse vegetation -Small trees/larger bushes
 Flat
 No clouds
Prepared and Compiled by:

Sir Adnan Qureshi

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