iGCSE Pakistan Studies Edexcel

Physical Features: mountains, rivers, and plains

Physical Features of Pakistan

Mountains in Pakistan

• Highest mountain range: Pakistan is home to the Hindu Kush and Himalaya mountain ranges, amongst the tallest in the world.
• Karakoram Range: This range includes the savage mountain K2, the second highest peak globally standing at 8,611 metres above sea level. It's known to be a difficult and dangerous climb due to significant hazards and high mortality rates.
• Hindu Kush Range: In the northwest, it forms the boundary between the Indus River basin and the Amu Daryab River basin.
• Other ranges: The Safed Koh range bordering Afghanistan and the Sulaiman Range and Kirthar Range in south are significant features of Pakistan's geography.

Rivers running through Pakistan

• Indus River: This is the principal river of Pakistan, providing essential water for agriculture in the fertile plains along its route.
• Five main tributaries: The Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers all merge into the Indus River.
• River Systems: These rivers form the Indus River System and play a crucial role in the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods through agriculture, fishing, hydroelectricity, and transportation.

Plains of Pakistan

• Indus Plain: This is the largest plain and the most populated area of Pakistan. It's fertile and ideal for agriculture, thanks to the Indus River and its tributaries.
• Pothohar Plateau: Located in the northeastern part of Punjab, it's characterised by undulating plains interspersed by hills and crossed by rivers.
• Thar Desert: This is in the southeast, bordering India. It is one of the largest deserts in the world and is a vast sand sea, thereby limiting its agricultural potential.
• Balochistan Plateau: This is to the west of the Indus Plain and is largely rocky and dry, though agriculture is possible through irrigation.

With this understanding of Pakistan's physical features, it's clear to see how the geography of the country impacts its agriculture, economy, and lifestyle. Remember, within these physical features are vast varieties of ecosystem and biodiversity unique to Pakistan.