ANALYZING THROUGH 4 LENSES

Areas Relief Features Drainage pattern Economic Problems

activities
High peaks, Deep Steep River Indus Agriculture and Lack of Health, education and
V valleys, sharp ridges, (Karakorum), River livestock farming, economic opportunities,
glaciers, snow capped Swat and Kabul (hindu tourism, mining, Avalanches and Land sliding
Northern and North peaks kush) Forests, Hypropower causing blockage, tourism
Western Mountains etc generations, trade only done during summer
passes time, etc
etc
Rugged and steep River Kurram (Sufed Agriculture and Harsh Terrain
terrain, Erosion-prone koh) livestock Water Scarcity
surfaces. Mountain River Tochi farming(irrigated by Political Instability
Western Mountains passes, snow capped (Waziristan hills) rivers) Lacking proper health,
peaks, U shaped valleys River Zhob and Gomal Mining of limestone, education, economic and
(Suleman range) gysum, coal, chromite transport facilities
Trade passes (Khyber
All drains into river pass in sufed koh)
Indus
Balochistan Plateaus Hamun, Basin, irregular River Zhob (drain into Subsistence Farming, Harsh Terrain
depression, mountains, Indus) Fruit farming (Quetta Water Scarcity
plateaus, coastal region River Hub, hingol, and Kalat) Political Instability
parole, dhast (drain Mining, coal, gas , Lacking proper health,
into Arabia Sea) copper, gold, chromite, education, economic and
marble transport facilities
Fishing: gawadar,
pasni, jewani, Ormara
areas
Carpet Weaving
Undulating River Soan drian into Rain-fed (Barani) Water Scarcity, Soil Erosion,
Topography, Dissected river Indus. Farming, Oil Fields, Gas Climate Change,
Landforms, Troughs Lakes and wetlands Fields, Mining Environmental Degradation,
and Depressions, (Kallar Kahar Lake) (choromite, limestone, Limited Technology, Lack of
Potwar Plateau and Gravel Plains, Salt clay, gypsum) Sustainable Practices
Slat range Deposits, Tourism
(Taxila,Bhuddhist
monasteries, kewra
mines), transportation
hub

Indus Plains Flat Terrain, Alluvial Eastern tributaries of Canal Irrigation Population stress, water
Deposits, Low river Indus , Jhelum, (agricultural activities) logging and salinity, seasonal
Elevation, Floodplains, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Plain areas (industries), floods, industrial waste and
 formation of Doab, Beas mix with sutlej in Livestock farming, environmental degradation,
India Inland Fishing (fish rural poverty etc
farms), well developed
transport system
Deserts of Pakistan Flat and gently No Rivers , Dry Barani farming (Thal Lacking water, hence
undulating terrain, Desert), potential to vegetation too.
Sand Dunes, Salt Flats, help in agricultural No proper infrastructure as
Wind Erosion, Oases output if canal system people from place to place as
(not in Pakistan) is developed, Mineral they are living nomadic
Extraction (Thar desert lifestyle. No proper roads as
coal), Tourism (desert development of deserts in
jeep race in Thal and not carried out, constant
Cholistan desert), could changing direction of winds
be used to install solar change the position of sand
panel for renewable dunes which could block the
energy resource road or railway line.

Northern and North Western Mountains:

Relief Features:
 High peaks: All three ranges are home to towering peaks, with some of the world’s highest
mountains, including Mount Everest (Himalayas), K2 (Karakoram), and Tirich Mir
(Hindu Kush)
 Deep, steep valleys: The ranges are characterized by narrow, deep valleys formed by river
erosion and tectonic activity, such as the Hunza Valley (Karakoram) and Swat Valley
(Hindu Kush).
 Sharp ridges and cliffs: The terrain in all three ranges includes sharp ridges and steep
cliffs, making the landscape rugged and difficult to across.
 Extensive glaciation: All three ranges feature large glaciers, with some of the longest
outside the polar regions. Notable examples include the Siachen Glacier (Karakoram), the
Batura Glacier (Karakoram), and smaller glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalayas.
 Snow-capped peaks: Permanent snow and ice cover the highest peaks in all three ranges
due to their high altitudes, contributing to the formation of glaciers and snowfields.

Economic Activities:
 Agriculture (Terrace farming): Due to the steep slopes, local communities
practice terrace farming, cultivating crops like wheat, barley, maize, and
potatoes. In some areas, apples and apricots are grown.
 Animal husbandry: Sheep, goats, yaks, and cattle are raised in the pastures of
these mountains for meat, wool, milk, and butter.
  Tourism and mountaineering: The mountains attract climbers and tourists from
around the world. Notable activities include trekking, skiing, and mountaineering
(e.g., Mount Everest in the Himalayas, K2 in the Karakoram). This brings income
through tourist services, lodges, and guiding.
 Mining: The Mountains are rich in minerals. Gemstones, emeralds, rubies, and
sapphires are mined in the Hindu Kush and Himalayas.
 Forestry: Locals harvest timber and firewood from alpine forests. Medicinal
herbs and aromatic plants are also collected, especially in the Himalayas.
However, deforestation is a concern in some regions
 Hydropower generation: Governments harness the rivers originating from glaciers
in all three ranges to build hydropower dams and generate electricity. Notable
projects include the Tarbela Dam (Pakistan)
 Handicrafts and cottage industries: Locals engage in producing handicrafts, such
as woolen textiles, carpets, shawls, and traditional jewelry, especially in the
Himalayas and Hindu Kush. These are sold locally and exported.
 Trade and barter: Historically and currently, the mountainous regions have served
as trade routes for local goods, especially across high-altitude passes like Khyber
Pass (Hindu Kush) and Karakoram Pass. Trade includes livestock, wool, and other
local products.

Western Mountains:
Relief features:
 Rugged and steep terrain: All these ranges exhibit rough, irregular landscapes with steep
slopes and sharp ridges.
 Erosion-prone surfaces: Intense erosion caused by wind and water leads to deeply incised
valleys and gorges in these ranges
 Mountain passes: Several important mountain passes (e.g., Khyber Pass in Spin Ghar) are
found in these ranges, acting as strategic routes through difficult terrains.
 Plateaus and ridges: These ranges feature plateau-like areas with high ridges, especially in
the Waziristan Hills and Suleman Range.

Economic activities:
 Irrigated Farming:
In areas where rivers and seasonal streams are present (like around the Gomal and Tochi
rivers), irrigated agriculture is practiced. Crops include: Wheat, Barley, Millets, Sorghum
(jowar), Maize, Rice (in irrigated areas)

 Fruit Farming:
In valleys and areas with suitable conditions, fruits like: Apples, pears, grapes (Waziristan
and Suleman Range). Dates, figs, pomegranates, and apricots (Kirthar and Suleman)

 Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Pastoralism:

 Many people in the Waziristan Hills, Suleman Range, and Kirthar Range are engaged in
herding livestock, which includes: Goats, Sheep, Camels, Cattle (in more irrigated zones).
Transhumance: In areas like the Spin Ghar, people practice seasonal migration with their animals,
moving to higher pastures in summer and returning to lower areas in winter

 Small-Scale Timber Collection:

In areas like the Suleman Range and Sufed Koh, Waziristan hill (shawal valley), small-
scale timber extraction takes place. Trees such as pine and juniper are harvested, though
this activity is controlled and restricted due to environmental concerns

 Coal Mining:
The Suleman Range and Kirthar Range are known for some limited coal reserves. Small-
scale coal mining operations provide employment to locals. Limestone and Gypsum: These
materials are quarried in the Kirthar Range for use in construction and cement production.
Chromite: Chromite deposits are found in parts of the Suleman and Kirthar ranges, and
small-scale mining occurs

 Weaving and Textiles:

In tribal areas like Waziristan and Suleman Range, traditional weaving and making of local
textiles are common. Embroidery: Women often engage in producing traditional
embroidery, carpets, and other handmade items, which are sold locally or in nearby towns.
Leatherwork: In some regions, especially in Balochistan near the Kirthar Range, people
engage in producing leather goods

Balochistan Plateau
Relief features:
 Hamun formation (largest hamun e mashkal)
 Irregular depression
 Basin formation (northern and western basins)
 Mountainous ranges (toba kakar, chaghi hills, siahan range, central barohi range, central
makran range)
 Coastal region (extreme south of Balochistan, share coast with Arabian sea, it formed 70%
of Pakistan Coast)

Economic Activities:
  Subsistence Farming: Due to limited water, farming is often subsistence-based, growing
crops like wheat, barley, and millet.
 Fruit Farming: The region is known for producing fruits such as apples, apricots, almonds,
and pomegranates, especially in valleys like Quetta and Kalat.
 Natural Gas: Balochistan is rich in natural gas, with fields like Sui Gas Field being a
major contributor to Pakistan’s energy supply.
 Minerals: The plateau is abundant in minerals such as coal, chromite, copper, gold,
limestone, and marble.
 Copper and Gold Mining: Saindak and Reko Diq are major mining projects extracting
copper and gold.
 Coal Mining: There are several coalfields in areas like Duki and Mekhtar
 Coastal Fishing: Along the Makran Coast, fishing is an important economic activity,
providing livelihoods in coastal towns like Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara.
 Fish Exports: The coastal areas export fish and seafood to national and international
markets
 Gwadar Port: Emerging as a major trade hub under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor), boosting economic activities related to trade, logistics, and infrastructure.
 Cross-Border Trade: Trade with neighboring Afghanistan and Iran through informal and
formal routes (e.g., Quetta, Chaman)

Potwar Plateau and Salt range:

Economic Activities:
o Rain-fed (Barani) Farming: The region is mostly rain-dependent, with crops such as
wheat, barley, millet, and gram being cultivated.
o Oil Fields: The Potwar Plateau is home to some of Pakistan’s oldest and most productive
oil fields, including Khaur, Dhurnal, and Attock.
o Gas Fields: Gas exploration and extraction are also important, providing energy resources
for the country.
o Limestone: Extensive limestone deposits are mined in the region and are a key raw
material for the cement industry.
o Clay and Gypsum: These materials are also mined and used in construction and industry
o Cement Industry: Several cement factories operate in the Potwar region, utilizing local
limestone.
o Brick-making: Clay deposits are used in the production of bricks, a common construction
material in the area.
o Oil Refineries: Refineries near oil fields process crude oil extracted from the region
o Historical and Cultural Tourism: Sites like the Taxila ruins (a UNESCO World Heritage
Site), ancient Buddhist monasteries, and other archaeological sites attract tourists.
o Natural Tourism: The region's lakes (e.g., Rawal Lake, Simli Dam) and scenic
landscapes offer opportunities for eco-tourism and recreational activities.
 o The Potwar Plateau serves as a major transportation hub due to its location between the
Punjab Plains and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Important roads and highways, including
the Grand Trunk Road and Motorway M-2, pass through the region, facilitating trade and
commerce.

Problems:
o Water Scarcity: The plateau relies heavily on rain-fed (barani) agriculture, and
inconsistent or insufficient rainfall leads to poor crop yields.
o Soil Erosion: Due to its hilly terrain and overgrazing, soil erosion is a major problem,
reducing soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
o Depletion of Reserves: The oil and gas fields in the Potwar Plateau, particularly in areas
like Khaur and Attock, are gradually depleting, leading to concerns about long-term
sustainability.
o Environmental Degradation: Oil and gas extraction activities contribute to land
degradation, pollution, and damage to local ecosystems.
o Environmental Damage: Mining activities, especially for limestone and gypsum, result
in deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and air and water pollution
o Limited Technology: The use of outdated mining technology reduces efficiency and
safety, leading to low productivity and hazardous conditions.
o Deforestation: Overharvesting of timber and fuelwood has led to deforestation, soil
degradation, and loss of biodiversity, further destabilizing the environment.

Indus Plains
Relief Features:

Flat Terrain: The Indus Plains are characterized by a predominantly flat landscape, making it one
of the most fertile regions in Pakistan.

Alluvial Deposits: Composed mainly of alluvial soil deposited by the Indus River and its
tributaries, providing fertile ground for agriculture

Low Elevation: The plains are situated at a low elevation, generally ranging from 100 to 300
meters (330 to 1,000 feet) above sea level

Floodplains: The plains include active floodplains that experience periodic flooding, enriching the
soil but also posing risks for agriculture

Economic Activities:
Crop Cultivation: The Indus Plains are among the most fertile regions in Pakistan, supporting the
cultivation of major crops such as Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane, Maize, Pulses, Cotton. It is due to the
eastern tributaries of river Indus namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej.

Canal Irrigation: The extensive canal irrigation system developed from the Indus River allows
for year-round farming and increases agricultural productivity. Punjab has the most extensive canal
system among the other provinces of Pakistan.

Animal Husbandry: Rearing livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats is common, in
rural areas or the outskirts of major cities in the Indus Plains. It provides milk, meat, wool, and
dairy products to local markets.

Cotton Production: The cultivation of cotton in the plains supports a robust textile industry,
including spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing

Market Centers: The plains are dotted with market towns and urban centers like Lahore,
Faisalabad, and Hyderabad, Karachi, facilitating trade and commerce.

Urban Development: Growing urban centers lead to significant construction activities, including
housing, roads, and infrastructure development, which enhances connectivity and supports
economic growth
Cultural and Historical Tourism: The Indus Plains are rich in history, with archaeological sites
and heritage sites attracting tourists (e.g., Mohenjo-Daro is an archaeological site in Larkana
District, Sindh, Harappa in Punjab’s district Sahiwal, Taxila center of Gandhara Civilization).

Problems:

 Increase in population and limited resources: Most of the people move to the cities in search
of better economic, health and education facilities. But they are failed to get their dream job and
due to over competition most of the people unable to even get a job. As a result urban poverty
increases. Urban poverty is increasing at an alarming rate not only in Pakistan but across the globe
as well.

 Erosion: Unsustainable farming practices (not giving break in-between crops so that soil retain
its nutrients), deforestation, and overgrazing have resulted in soil erosion, diminishing soil fertility.

 Extreme Weather: Increased frequency of droughts and floods disrupt agricultural production
and threaten food security.

 Industrial Waste: Pollution from industrial activities pours into the rivers which contaminates
water sources, affecting agriculture and public health.

 Agricultural Runoff: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to water and soil pollution,
harming local ecosystems. When the water with which fertilizer are mixed (fertilizers reduce the
PH level, as the water turned acidic) drain into a nearby river or lake it also contaminate that
sources well. Marine life can’t survive the change in the water PH level.

 Irrigation system: Pakistan’s irrigation system major up gradation because it can’t meet the
needs of the farmers. Due to seepage of water and poor drainage system caused the issue of water
logging and salinity. Both harming crop yields and make the land unsuitable for agricultural
practices.

 Rural Poverty: Many farmers and rural populations in the Indus Plains remain impoverished
due to lack of access to modern farming techniques, markets, and financial resources. It creates
significant income disparity between urban and rural populations, with urban areas benefiting more
from infrastructure and economic opportunities.
New Chapter: Climatic Zones of Pakistan

First differentiate between Weather and Climate