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Chapter 3
Geography of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Pakistan: An Introduction
Pakistan came into being on August .14, 1947. Its official name is Islamic Republic of
Pakistan. It has an area of 7,96,096 square kilometers: Islam is the religion of 98% of its
population. Christians, Hindus, Parses and Ahmadis also live in this country along with Muslim
majority. Languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Seraiki, Hindkoh, English, and
Persian are spoken by the people of this country.
Pakistan is located in the South Asia. It is a country of fertile land, mountains, rivers and
enchanting valleys. Some parts of it remain hot while others .remain cold all over the year. Its
land is known for fertility and production. Almost all kinds of fruits grow here which are
considered best in their quality and taste. The population of Pakistan consists of 150 million
people that are unequally distributed among the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP,
FATA, Northern areas and Azad Kashmir.
Location
Pakistan is located between 231/2 degree north to 37 degree north and 61 degree east to 77
degree east as far as the latitudinal and longitudinal extents are concerned.
Geo Strategic Position
It is surrounded by various countries: India in the east, China in the north and Iran and
Afghanistan in the west and Arabian sea is located in the south of Pakistan.
(i) Muslim Countries of Persian Gulf
Geographically, Pakistan is located in the South Asia. Persian Gulf is located in the southwest of Pakistan. Persian Gulf has a geographic importance and countries like Iran, Kuwait, Iraq,
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates etc. are located along it. These
Muslim countries possess the wealth of oil, which has enhanced their importance. Pakistan has
cordial relations with these countries.
(ii) Afghanistan and Central Asian Countries
Afghanistan and Central Asian countries are too far away from coastal areas and they are
land locked countries. These countries have to go through the land of Pakistan to reach the sea.
They are famous for their oil and gas fields. They are included among the agriculturally high
productive countries. Thus they are important in regard to our future needs.
The total population of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and
Kyrgyzstan is even less than Pakistan though they are six times bigger in area. If we join these
countries with a motor way, it will definitely open the door of fortune for them as well as for
Pakistan.
(iii) China
China is situated in the north of northern mountains. Silk route connects these two
countries. These countries have warm relations, and their friendship is stronger than Hamalayas.
China has helped Pakistan in the development of many projects including the defence projects.
(iv) India
To our east is India which is demographically second to China in the world. India has
emerged as an agricultural industrial and military power in the region. Since independence, India
and' Pakistan have never felt themselves at ease with each other. Moreover, four wars have
been fought between these two countries uptil now. As a result, no progress could be made in
the region. Both countries have been spending the major part of their budget on their defence.
These countries have gone too far away in the race of nuclear weapons and missile technology.
There will be complete catastrophy if war is imposed by anyone of them. The dispute of Kashmir
between these two countries is still pending in the UNO. Now once again they are trying to
resolve it peacefully. The earlier the peaceful solution the better it is for them.
Relief of Pakistan
There are four kinds of relief features of Pakistan.
(i) Mountains
(ii) Plains
(iii) Plateau
(iv) Valleys
Their detail is given below:
Mountains
The mountain is a highland. It is usually more than 900 meters above sea level. It has a
broad base, steep slope and a narrow top.
The mountain ranges of Pakistan are as follows:
1. Northern Mountain Range
2. Central Mountain Range
3. Western Mountain Range
1. Northern Mountain Range
The mountain range of the Himalayas in the north of Indo-Pakistan is stretched over the
west to east whose length is almost 2430 kilometer. It comprises four major mountain ranges.
(i) Sub Himalaya or Siwalik
This mountain range is stretched over eastern and western branches of southern Himalaya
in the east of the Indus river and its height is almost 900 meter. This is also called Siwalik hills
and its famous mountains are Pabbi hills which are located in the south of Hazara and Murree.
Their western range is in Pakistan while most of it is located in India.
(ii) Lesser Himalaya
This mountain range has spread from east to west in the north of Siwalik hills and to their
parallel. Pir Punjal is the highest range. The famous resorts of this mountainous range are
Murree, Ayubia, Nathia Gali etc. The height of these peaks is from 1800 meter to 4600 meter.
(iii) The Great Himalaya
These mountains are located in the north of lesser Himalayas. Their average height is
6500 meter. They are covered by thick snowy surface. Kashmir valley is located between Pir
Punjal to its south and great Himalayas to its north. There are many valley glaciers in this range
and they feed river Indus. Nanga Parbat is the highest peak of this range, 8126 meters high.
Ladakh range is located in the north of great. Himalayas but it is not located in Pakistan. In
their north is the Karakoram range.
(iv) Karakoram Range
Karakoram Mountains in the north of Kohistan Himalayas have extended from east to west
in the Kashmir and Gilgit along with the border of China. The average height of this range is 7000
meter. The second highest peak of the world Godwin Austin or K-2 whose height is 8611 meter
also lies in this mountain range. Pakistan's Karakoram highway to China passes through this
range.
(v) Hindukush Range
These mountains are located in the north-west of Pakistan. They extend from the north-east
direction to south-west direction in the Afghanistan and these mountains are mainly located
there. The highest peak of the range is Tirch Meer which is 7690 meters high.
(vi) Swat and Chirtral Mountrains
Swat and Chitral mountains are located in the south of Hindukush Range. These mountains
are 3000 to 5000 meters high and Lowari pass connects Chitral with Peshawar, and in winter it
remains closed due to heavy snowfall. A tunnel has been constructed to ease the flow of traffic
throughout the year between Chitral and Peshawar. River Swat, river Chitral, river Kunhar and
river Punjkora are the main streams of these mountains.
Importance of Northern Mountains
These mountains are located in the north of Pakistan and they protect the northern border
of Pakistan. These mountains intercept the winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal and the
Arabian Sea and cause rainfall, and snowfall. These peaks are covered with snow all over the
year and are important source of water for our rivers. Moreover, very expensive wood is also
acquired from these mountains. There are many resorts like Murree, Ayubia, Nathia Gali,
Kaghan, Kalam, Lipa valley, Skardu, Swat valley, Neelum valley, Hunza, Chitral, Chilas and Gilgit
where people go for recreation.
Central Range
These mountains are located in the centre of Pakistan. They are neither located in the west
nor in the east of the country
(i) Salt Range
In the south of potwar plateau and between rivers Jhelum and Indus is the salt Range.
The average height of the range is 700 meters. Sakesar, 1500 meters high, is the beautiful
place in this range. Kallar Kanar lake is also situated in this region.
(ii) The Sulaiman Mountains
In the south of Waziristan hills the Sulaiman mountains are located on the west bank of
river Indus and extend to north - south direction to the centre of Pakistan. Takht-e-Sulaiman and
3443 feet is the highest peak of this range. River Bolan is the main stream in the region which
falls in river Indus through Bolan pass.
Western Mountain Ranges
(i) Koh-e-Sufaid Range
It extends in the south of the Kabul river to the river Kurram northward and southward
along with Pak-Afghan border. Some part of this range is located in Afghanistan and. most of its
part is in Pakistan. Its average height is 3600 meter. The Khyber pass is located in this range
which joins Pakistan and Afghanistan by Peshawar-Kabul road. The city of Attock-is located at
the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers. The highest peak of this range is Sikaram whose
height is 4761 meters.
(ii) Waziristan Hills
These hills are located in the south of river Kurram on Pak-Afghan border in the north-south
direction. Gomal and Tochi passes are situated in these hills. These hills rise to 10,000 feet. In
their east Kohat hills are located.
(iii) Toba Kokar Hills
To the south of Waziristan hills, the Toba Kokar hills .are located with Pak-Afghan border
and they extend up to Quetta.
(iv) Chaghi Hills
These hills are located on the western Pak- Afghan border. Pakistan tested atomic bombs
on 28th May, 1998 in Chaghi hills.
(v) Ras Koh Range
These low hills are located in the South of Chaghi hills.
Plateaus
In Pakistan there are two plateaus, which are as follows:
i.
Potwar Plateau
ii. Balochistan Plateau
(i) Potwar Plateau
Potwar plateau is located in the north of Salt Range and between rivers -Indus and Jhelum.
Its maximum height is up to 600 meters. There are extensive reserves of limestone, coal and
mineral oil in this area.
Pakistan fulfills a part of its need of mineral oil from this area. Potwar plateau has rugged
terrain, and Sawan is a famous river of the area.
ii. Balochistan plateau
This plateau is located in west. of Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges. Its maximum height is up to
900 meters. In the north there are Toba Kokar range and Chaghi hills. All the area is barren. In
its west there is a sandy desert, which is called Balochistan desert.
PLAINS
A vast and leveled part of land is called a plain. In Pakistan where there are many
mountain ranges, the extensive and fertile plains are also there, which have been made of fertile
soil deposited by river Indus and its tributaries. These plains extend from Himalayas to Arabian
Sea. Pakistan fulfills its agricultural needs from these plains and exports the excessive
production. We divide these plains in four parts.
(i)
Upper Indus plain
(ii)
Lower Indus plain
(iii)
Coastal plain
(iv)
Desert
(i) Upper Indus Plain
This plain is situated in the south of Siwaliks and Salt Range and in the east of Sulaiman
Range. The upper pm1 is irrigated by five rivers, i.e. Beas, Sutlaj, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum
that is why this part is called Punjab meaning five waters or land of five rivers. At the time of
independence Punjab was divided into two parts, eastern Punjab is part of India while western
Punjaq is located' in Pakistan. These five rivers join the Indus River at Mithun Kot. Beyond this
place the lower Indus plain starts. Upper plain is higher towards the north - and descends
towards the south. Therefore, the rivers flow from north to south. Many canals have been dug
from these rivers that irrigate this plain, and for its production, it is considered the most fertile
plains of the world. Wheat, rice, cotton, maize, sugarcane and many innumerable crops are
grown here: In upper plain rice is cultivated in north and cotton is cultivated in southern parts.
Because of production of, wheat, sugarcane, rice, maize and cotton, Pakistan stands first in the
Sub-continent. The land between' two rivers is called inter-fluve. The famous inter-fluves are:
(i)
Bari Doab
(ii) Rechna Doab
(iii) Chej Doab
(iv) Sindh Sagar Doab
The part of fertile land along the river is called bar, which is very suitable for agriculture, for
example; Nili bar, Sandal bar, Kirana bar. The upper Indus. plain joins Thar desert or Nara in
south. In the west of upper Indus plain beyond Jehlum river ThaI desert is located which is
irrigated with canals in the west of river Indus there are Piedmont plains which are called derajat.
Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan are included in this area. The Peshawar plain is situated
in north-west of the Kabul river and extends from west to east. Kabul river joins Indus at Attock.
This plain is also fertile. Warsak dam has been built on Kabul river. Wheat, sugarcane, maize are
cultivated here.
(ii) Lower Indus Plain
Below Mithun Kot, the Indus river flows like a major river and falls into the Arabian Sea.
This area is called lower Indus plain. This is also a fertile land but rainfall is quite low. Like the
upper plain many canals have been constructed in this area to irrigate it. In its west is Kirthar
range and in the east the Thar desert. In lower part the canals from Sakkar, Ghulam Muhammad
and Guddu barrages irrigate this plain. In days of flood the water spreads over a vast area. In the
lower Indus plain cotton, rice, sugarcane, wheat and maize are cultivated.
(iii) Coastal Plain
In the South of Pakistan along with the coast of Arabian sea is the coastal plain. These
plains are wider in the east and narrower towards the west due to the mountains. The coast of
Pakistan is very beautiful. The ports of Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gawadar are located on this
coast. If Government develops these coasts for tourism it will help in earning foreign exchange
for the country.
(iv) Desert Plain
Any area that receives less then 250 mm of rainfall is called a desert. Most part of Pakistan
is arid due to the lack of rainfall. In Sindh Sagar Doab 1hal desert is located, large area of it has
been irrigated by canals. In the south of Bahawalnagar, the Cholistan starts, and joins Rajhistan
desert in India. In Sindh province this joins Thar desert. Areas in southern Punjab, eastern Sindh,
southern NWFP and Balochistan are arid and rainfall is less than 250 millimeter a year. Many
areas have been irrigated with canals and are highly productive.
In the west and the north-west of Makran range is the desert area of Balochistan. The
annual rainfall is less than 10 inches which occurs in winter season, it does not rain in summer
season. The need of water can be fulfilled by constructing small dams, which will promote
agriculture in Balochistan. There is very less population in this desert area of Balochistan;
Economic activities are very limited. The land is barren a few nomads live in these areas. Camels
are kept for carrying loads. Facilities are meager and the condition of people is pitiable. I In
Balochistan irrigation is done by the means of Karez.
Valleys
Between the- mountains and along the rivers, the valleys present a charming scene, which
attracts the tourists from all over -the world. In summer when heat is unbearable in plains, people
go to these areas to spend their summer holidays. Kaghan, Swat, Leepa, Chitral, Hunza, Murree,
Ayubiaf Nathia Gali and Ziarat are enchanting valleys. Government can earn foreign exchange
by promoting these areas, as tourist resorts that also increase opportunities of employment for
the local people.
Climate of Pakistan
The weather of any place keeps on changing with the change in time. For example, the
weather of Lahore is pleasant in the morning, hot at noon, better in the evening and again
pleasant at night. Weather is the daily atmospheric change, while long term average atmospheric
condition of a region is called climate. For example, the climate of Lahore is hot and semi-arid.
There are two basic components of climate:
i.
Temperature
ii. Rainfall
These two components play a vital role in determining the climate of any region. For
example, in any country the average temperature- of summer and winter is measured and then
by adding measured values of these temperatures, the annual average temperature is
determined. The same method is applied to acquire the annual average rainfall. So the
temperature and rainfall, determine the climate of the area.
Now we shall discuss the climate of Pakistan.
Pakistan lies between 231/2 degree north to 37 degree north. Balochistan and Sindh are
located in its lower part. The lower part of Pakistan is located in sub-tropical region while upper
part is located in warm temperate region. Therefore, the summer season in our country is very
hot and its duration is longer while winter season is short and less intense except the
mountainous areas where temperature remains low due to higher altitude of the mountains, and
high peaks remain. Snow-clad throughout the year
Pakistan's seasons.
On the basis of temperature Pakistan is divided into four seasons: Summer season, Winter
season, Autumn season, Spring season.
Summer Season
The summer season in Pakistan is so hot that people do not come out of their houses at
noon. The roads look deserted because there is a chance of sun stroke. Schools are closed in
summer vacation. Temperature rise to 50 degree Celsius at many places. In northern plains
summer is from April to September while in the southern plains it is from March to December.
Jacobabad, Sibi, Lahore, Sargodha, Muzaffargarh, Leiah,. Bhakkar and Multan experience hot
weather but in the mountainous regions weather remains cool, and people go there to spend
their summer vacation.
Autumn Season
There is a change of weather in October and November. Hot weather cools and weather
becomes pleasant at night. People feel comfortable under ceiling fans in the day. The leaves of
trees start shedding and temperature falls in this season. But in southern areas temperature
remains over 30 degree Celsius. In the northern plains weather remains fine.
Winter Season
Winter season is from December to February. The average temperature of nearly 10
degree Celsius is experienced in northern plains but southern areas have a temperature of 18
degree Celsius. On the coastal areas temperature is about 30 degree Celsius.
Spring Season
The Spring season starts from the third week of February and lasts up to March.
Temperature starts rising. The northern areas experience temperature from 20 degree Celsius to
25 degree Celsius at day time, while temperature in the southern plains remains between 30 to
35 degree Celsius. In Spring, plantation is done and new leaves sprout forth on trees.
Temporal Zones of Pakistan
On the basis of temperature, we can divide Pakistan into four parts.
1. Coastal areas of Pakistan
2. Plains of Pakistan
3. Western mountain ranges
4. Northern mountain ranges
1. Coastal areas of Pakistan
In the coastal areas of Pakistan, weather is moderate for the whole year. Land breeze and
sea breeze lowers the temperature of the area and as a result summer remains moderate. The
average temperature remains nearly about 32 degree Celsius. Therefore, there is no winter
season in this region. Sometimes winds from Quetta blow towards Karachi, which make the
climate cold for two to three days. Rainfall is less than 10 inches per year but the air remains full
of moisture.
2. Plains of Pakistan
In these areas mostly hot weather is experienced. Temperature rises to more than 50
degree Celsius. Summer season starts from April and lasts till September. The average
temperature is over 35 degree Celsius but in June and July 40 degree Celsius is the average
temperature. In July, August and September, the temperature of northern plains, remains
moderate due to the monsoon winds, but the southern areas, deprived of rainfall, remain under
the hot spell. In the areas of Jacobabad, Multan, Sibi, Faisalabad, Lahore, Leiah, Sargodha and
Bhakkar the temperature rises from 45 degree Celsius to 54 degree Celsius. In winter,
temperature of northern parts remains 5 degree .Celsius. The winter season starts from
December and lasts till February but it is not intense. In southern plains, temperature in winter
remains 15 degree Celsius or more. Weather is pleasant in January in these areas.
3. Western ountain Range.
The summer season remains from April to September in the western mountain ranges,
where temperature remains 30 degree Celsius and therefore, summer season is moderate in this
region. Due to western winds these areas receive snowfall in December and in January the
temperature falls and makes the weather severely cold.
4. Northern Mountainous Areas
Summer season is always pleasant in these areas. The average temperature remains less
than 20 degree Celsius in summer. That is why there are many tourist resorts in these areas
where people go and spend their vacation. Temperature starts falling in September and these
areas remain cold till April. Winter season is severe and mountains remain covered with snow.
Temperature remains lower than 5 degree Celsius in December, January and February. In
northern areas, it rains in summer and snow falls in winter due to westerlies. Rivers originate
from here and start flowing towards south.
The Rainy Season
In Pakistan rainfall occurs twice a year:
i.
Monsoon rainfall in summer
ii. Westerlies rainfall in winter
Monsoon
It rains in northern plains and southern Himalayas due to incoming monsoon winds from
India between July and September. An average rainfall of around 50 inches is usually recorded
in Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jehlum and Sialkot. The intensity of these rains decreases
gradually towards south. In southern plains including southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan,
the average rainfall is less than 10 inches per annum and that is why deserts are there.
On the other hand, in western mountainous areas including Balochistan plateau and northwestern mountains, there is no rainfall and so they are called dry mountain ranges.
Winter Rainfall
In winter season westerlies bring rainfall with them which cause snowfall in western and
northern mountain ranges. Because of the western winds, rainfall occurs in northern plain areas.
In southern areas, there is an extremely less rainfall in winter, which enhances their problems.
The rainfall in Pakistan is far less than its requirements. That is why it is the need of the
hour to build more and more dams and canals to cater the future requirements.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON HUMAN LIFE
Average atmospheric condition of a region is called climate. There are different climatic
regions in different parts of the world which have great impact on the life of those areas.
Economic activities are influenced by the climate. Production of crops, flowers and fruits is also
affected by the climate, along with the birds. For instance, in summer we wear light clothes, drink
a lot of water and avoid meat and beef. Due to excessive heat, schools and colleges remain
closed for three months i.e. June to August.
However, there are advantages of summer season as well. A large variety of fruits and
vegetables are also made available that make life full of taste and flavour. But people prefer to sit
inside their homes to avoid heat strokes and sun burns. General activities are greatly reduced in
areas like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Karachi and Peshawar due to scorching heat.
People start going to hill stations like Nathia Gali, Murree and Ayubia to enjoy summer vacation.
Due to scorching heat and lack of water, life in the deserts becomes unbearable. As a
result, people start migrating from there, and when winter comes, their activities suddenly
change. The life style is changed and sun becomes pleasant. In winter, days are shorter and
nights are longer. The temperature of high mountains falls much below 0 degree Celsius.
Because of the thick snow, these hilly areas are disconnected from one another. Schools are
closed and people migrate towards the plain areas. Thus the climate has a great impact over the
life and activities of human beings.
Tourism
As we have discussed earlier, Pakistan is a land of high mountains and beautiful valleys. It
has a long coastal line and its temperature varies from hot to cold all over the year. It is
considered among the best countries of the world as far as tourism is concerned. Beautiful
valleys present the most attractive scenery. The most notable of these valleys are Neelum valley,
Jehlum valley, Kaghan valley and Swat valley. Moreover, Murree, Ayubia, Nathia Gali, Skardu
and Ziarat are also Included among the most lucrative places where weather remains cold all
over the year. During winter, these areas remain covered with SHOW and summer is always
pleasant. Pakistan is replete with lakes, waterfalls and high mountains. Similarly our green fields,
rivers, canals, beautiful flowers and good quality fruits are the causes of attraction for the tourists.
Our coasts are extended from the Persian Gulf to India. All these things facilitate tourism and by
the grace of Allah Almighty Pakistan is in possession of this natural wealth. But the sectarian
violence, poor economic progress, political environment, modes of transportation and illiteracy
have spoiled our image in the world.
If we improve our environment, it is only then, that we will be able to earn billions of dollars
from tourism industry. A healthy environment for business will prevail and economic stability will
be achieved.
Gateway to Land Locked Countries
Afghanistan and central Asian countries (Kazhasitan, Kazhakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmanistan
and Uzbekistan) are located in the west and north-west of Pakistan. All these countries do not
have oceans and hence are known as land locked countries. So they have to go through
Pakistan to reach the Arab\an Sea. These Islamic countries are six times bigger than Pakistan as
far, as area is concerned, but demographically, they have a population half in number. They are
endowed with the wealth of gas and oil and are self-sufficient in agriculture. But they are not
connected to the world by sea. If Pakistan provides them a corridor, it will help in the progress of
the whole region. Pakistan will emerge as an export market full of opportunities of expansion of
business and employment necessary to boost up the foreign exchange earnings and the
economy. If Pakistani Government permits the extension of gas pipeline to India then these
Islamic Central Asian countries will be linked with the outside world.' Their trade through
Motorway will surely bring prosperity in the region. It will strengthen the relations with the
neighbouring countries. Pakistanis will be able to render their services for the development of
economic projects and Pakistan will be benefited greatly.
Economic Instability
Economic instability means more expenditure and less income, and the fulfillment of
necessities becomes difficult.
Pakistan has been facing economic instability from the last 55 years. It is only due to the
fact that our non-developmental expenditures are far more than developmental expenditures and
our exports are less than the imports. The major portion of our budget goes in debt payments.
Our defence expenditures are also far more than we can afford. These two expenditures
comprise the 80% of the budget and developmental expenditures remain less than 20%. That is
why, we are not yet able to achieve' economic stability.
Causes of Economic Instability
Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947. At the time of partition, there were only few
industries in Pakistan. Pakistan was an agricultural country having very low literacy rate.
Population was more and there was no infra-structure of development. In these unfavourable
conditions, Pakistan tried to stabilize itself but the Indo-Pak war of 1948 caused a huge damage.
The government of Pakistan started five year developmental plans in which industries were given
prime importance. Darns and canals were built to enhance the agricultural produce. To
strengthen the economic condition, aid from international donor agencies was arranged which
resu1t~d in the industrial and agricultural progress, but the wars of 1965 and 1971 destroyed our
economy. It was due to these wars that our debt and interest on the debt kept on piling up and
the country could not improve its economy. Our military governments paid more attention to
strengthen military might. Political process kept on collapsing which destabilized the country
politically. Confidence could not be restored in the masses. The policies of political parties kept
on changing. The policy of nationalization and posting of incompetent management halted the
industrial progress. Electricity and water crisis shook the confidence of industrialists. The
identical opportunities for progress did not develop amongst the provinces. Moreover, dangers of
war also prevailed in the region. Indo-Pak relation on Kashmir issue always remained tense. Now
these two countries have become nuclear powers but the problems remain the same.
International community and United Nations also avoided playing the role of a mediator on
Kashmir issue. The armies of both the countries are having an eye to eye contact which could
cause destruction at any time. Under these conditions, no one can take the risk to invest money
in Industrial sector. The foreigners have stopped making the investments due to the risk of their
life and property. On the other hand, situation in Afghanistan also affects Pakistan. Almost 30
lakh Afghans migrated to Pakistan resulting a sharp rise in smuggling and use of narcotics that
badly damaged the economy. Instead of making progress we kept on begging for foreign aid,
and the debt has risen so high that now it looks difficult to repay, that. Population is increasing at
an alarming rate making the economic situation even more grave. Various districts of Pakistan
remained under developed which forced people to migrate to places of economic prosperity. The
backward areas of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP and Punjab are in need of special attention. Even
being an agricultural country, we are not self-sufficient in agriculture. Moreover having better
tourism promoting opportunities, we are not able to develop the coastal and northern areas.
Industrial development needs to be planned efficiently to meet the needs of population. The
resources of water, oil and gas are required to be exploited fully to ensure the progress.
Map Reading
Maps are made for the study of earth. Our earth is round like a globe but it is not possible
to show all the information on the globe. Therefore, maps are made for the detailed description
of various geographical aspects. Maps are made on small and large scales, which are used for
different purposes.
To study and understand maps, it is necessary that we should know the following aspects:
Definition of Map
When the earth or part of it is transferred to a flat sheet of paper, it is called map. Before
making a map, it is necessary to make a scale. Longitudes and latitudes are drawn and the
information is shown in the form of symbols on the map.
Definition of Scale
Scale is the ratio between the distance of given points on the map and the distance
between the corresponding points on the ground. In simple words, scale is the ratio between the
distance on the map and the distance on the ground e.g. 1 inch to 10 miles - this scale will be
considered as 1 inch on the map is equal to 10 miles on the ground. Scale can be shown in the
form of a line and this line is drawn at the base of the map. It is called plain scale.
(ii) Map Projection
The transferring of lines of latitud6s and longitudes from the globe to a plain paper is called
map projection.
The extent of any country is shown with the help of longitudes and latitudes. Our country
Pakistan has an extent from 231/2 degree north to 37 degree north and 61 degree east to 77
degree east. To make its map, we will have to draw these lines of reference first.
(iii) Symbols
Rivers, mountains, roads and cities cannot be shown in their real form on a map, and there
are many other features and information which can be shown with the help of symbols.
As the roads and mountains cannot be drawn on a paper, therefore, these are shown using
different kinds of symbols e.g. a city is represented by a dot, road is shown as a red line, rivers
and water bodies are coloured blue and mountains are shown using brown lines called contours.
(iv) Direction
The knowledge of direction is also important in geography. One should keep in mind that in
maps, the north will be on the top and w south towards the base, east will be to the right and west
to the left. On the basis of directions, we divide S the earth into two hemispheres i.e. northern
hemisphere and southern hemisphere.
We divide countries on the same basis, for example Northern Pakistan and Southern
Pakistan.
For a thorough study of map, one should have the knowledge of above mentioned components
that facilitate the study of a map.
(v) The Lines of Reference
Equator, longitudes and Latitudes
Longitudes are the lines that intersect the equator and join the north and south poles.
Prime meridian that passes through Greenwich near London is in the middle of all the meridians
of longitude. There are 180 meridians in the west. The prime meridian is considered as 0 degree
longitude. The total number of meridians of longitude is 360 degree.
Parallels of latitude are the lines that are parallel to the equator and these are at the angular
distance from the equator. There are 90 parallels of latitude in the north and 90 in the south of
equator.
(vi) Equator
A line in the middle of North Pole and South Pole that divides the earth into two equal
parts is called equator.
The location of any country is described with the help of longitudes, latitudes and
directions. At the same time with the help of symbols, we can know the location of mountains,
the ~eas that are irrigated by rivers and the location of cities.
With the help of scale we can measure the distance between two places. Scale is shown on
the base of the map e.g. 1 inch to 10 miles or 1 cm to 5 km.
Scale can be shown as a line or as a representative fraction, which facilitates the
measurement of actual distances between different places shown on the map.
Maps are made on small and large scales. On small scale maps the information is generally
brief while. on large scale maps, the information is shown in detail. Maps are made for different
purposes, for example, for showing distribution of population, agriculture, distribution of industries
and physical features etc.
QUESTIONS
Answer the following questions.
(i) Discuss the importance of location of Pakistan in the region.
(ii) Discuss the mountain ranges of Pakistan in detail.
(iii) Write a note on (a) pleatu (b) plains (c) valleys
(iv) In how many temporal zones Pakistan can be divided? Explain each one.
(v) Illustrate the effects of climate on human life.
(v) Define map and what is the required information for map reading?