Section: The Land of Pakistan

1. When did Pakistan emerge on the world map, and as a result of what?
o Pakistan emerged on 14th August 1947 as a result of the partition of the Indian
sub-continent into Pakistan and India.
2. What were the two parts of Pakistan initially, and when did East Pakistan become
Bangladesh?
o Initially, Pakistan consisted of West Pakistan and East Pakistan.
o East Pakistan became Bangladesh in December 1971.

Section: Labelling Latitudes and Longitudes

3. What are the latitudes and longitudes of Pakistan?
o Latitudes: 24° 35' N to 37° 05' N
o Longitudes: 61° E to 78° E
4. What is the total area of Pakistan, and its dimensions from north to south and east to
west?
o Total area: 796,096 square km
o North to south: 1600 km
o East to west: 885 km

Section: Provinces and Borders

5. What are the four provinces of Pakistan?
o Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan
6. Which countries share borders with Pakistan, and how long are these borders?
o China (north-east): 585 km
o Afghanistan (west): 2252 km (Durand Line)
o Iran (south-west): 959 km
o India (east): 2912 km
7. What is the significance of Wakhan in Pakistan’s geography?
o Wakhan is a narrow strip of Afghan territory separating Pakistan from Tajikistan.
8. What sea lies to the south of Pakistan?
o The Arabian Sea.

Section: Rivers and Key Features

9. Which two seaports are significant for Pakistan?
o Karachi and Gwadar.
10. What important passes and highways connect Pakistan to neighboring countries?
o Khyber Pass: Connects Pakistan to Afghanistan.
o Karakoram Highway: Connects Pakistan to China.

Section: Importance of Pakistan’s Location

11. Why is Pakistan’s location considered strategically and economically important?
o Pakistan has a central position in South Asia.
o Its seaports can serve landlocked areas in the north and northwest.
o It has air routes connecting the East and West.
 12. How does Pakistan’s coastline contribute to its trade?
o Its coastline on the Arabian Sea enables trade with South Asia, the Far East, and
the Middle East.
13. How has Pakistan benefited from its proximity to China?
o Increased trade with China.
o China is helping Pakistan develop its economy through energy projects and
infrastructure improvements.
14. What is one challenge faced by Pakistan’s domestic industry due to trade with China?
o Increased competition from low-cost Chinese goods.
15. Why is Jinnah Terminal in Karachi significant?
o It could serve as an important international airport, though it is underutilized,
with Dubai taking over its natural role.
Importance of Pakistan's Location
 Pakistan holds a strategic and economic key position in South Asia.
 Khyber Pass connects Pakistan to Afghanistan, providing a land route despite large
mountain ranges.
 The Karakoram Highway facilitates easier communication and trade with China.
 Landlocked areas to the north and northwest rely on Pakistan's seaports of Karachi and
Gwadar for trade.
 Pakistan's coastline on the Arabian Sea allows trade with:
o South Asia
o Far East
o Middle East
 Some air routes between the East and West pass-through Pakistan, enhancing its global
connectivity.
 Pakistan is a neighbor of China, benefiting from:
o Increased trade opportunities.
o Chinese investments in energy projects and infrastructure development.
 Jinnah Terminal (Karachi) could serve as a major international hub, although it is
currently underutilized due to competition from Dubai.
Notes on Northern and North-Western Mountains
Relief and Drainage Features
 Relief:
o Parallel ranges running mainly west-east.
o Altitude increases from south to north; peaks reach up to 8475 meters.
o High passes: Khunjerab Pass, Lawarai Pass, Shandur Pass.
o Features: Snowfields, glaciers, steep slopes, and snow-capped peaks.
  Drainage:
o Rivers: Indus and its tributaries dominate the drainage system.
o Originates from glaciers (Karakoram, Hindu Kush).
o Features: Gorges, waterfalls, rapids, streams, and springs.
Lifestyle
 Harsh living conditions due to extreme climate and rugged terrain.
 Nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles in upper regions.
 Agriculture in valleys; main crops include apples, barley, and millet.
 Winter activities: Cottage industries producing carpets, rugs, and handicrafts.
Climate
 Severe and cold, especially in high-altitude areas.
 Precipitation mainly in the form of snow.
 Glaciers instead of rivers in higher regions.
Economic Activities
 Agriculture (terraced farming): Wheat, rice, maize, barley.
 Livestock breeding and subsistence farming.
 Tourism: Domestic and international visitors.
 Small-scale industries: Food processing, handicrafts, and fruit drying.
Population Density
 Generally sparse due to inhospitable terrain.
 Slightly higher density in valleys with fertile land and better resources.
Importance
 Water source for Indus Plain irrigation.
 Historical and trade routes (e.g., Karakoram Highway).
 Natural border protection against cold winds and strategic routes.
 Rich in minerals, forests, and tourism potential.
 Hydropower potential, though underdeveloped.
Environmental Issues
 Deforestation: Increased demand for firewood and land clearance.
 Soil Erosion: Overgrazing and tree trimming.
 Pollution: Streams polluted by refuse and sewage, leading to health issues.
 Infrastructure Development: Causes deforestation and landslides.

Notes on the Western Mountains

Relief and Drainage Features
 Consists of parallel ranges with lower altitudes than the northern mountains.
 Ranges:
o Safed Koh (4712 m): Snow-covered peaks; drained by River Kurram.
o Waziristan Hills (3513 m): Drained by seasonal streams.
o Sulaiman Range (3383 m): Steep slopes and rugged terrain.
o Kirthar Range (2174 m): Drained by small streams.
Lifestyle
 Agriculture dependent on irrigation in valleys (e.g., Kohat Valley, Peshawar Valley).
 Crops: Wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
  Limited infrastructure; small-scale settlements.
Climate
 Moderate to harsh, depending on altitude.
 Valleys have relatively milder climates compared to higher altitudes.
Economic Activities
 Agriculture in irrigated valleys.
 Trade through passes connecting Afghanistan.
 Some areas engage in livestock breeding.
Population Density
 Low in mountainous areas due to harsh conditions.
 Higher in fertile valleys with better access to resources.

Notes on the Desert Areas

Relief and Drainage Features
 Flat or slightly undulating sandy terrain.
 Seasonal rivers and streams, often dry for most of the year.
 Areas prone to droughts and desertification.
Lifestyle
 Sparse population with a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.
 Dependence on wells and underground water.
Climate
 Extremely arid with high temperatures and low rainfall.
 Wide temperature variations between day and night.
Economic Activities
 Livestock grazing.
 Limited agriculture (oasis farming) where water is available.
 Handicrafts in some areas.
Population Density
 Very sparse due to the lack of water and arable land.
Questions and Answers on Northern and Western Mountains & Desert Areas (IGCSE Level)
Northern and North-Western Mountains
Relief and Drainage Features
1. Question: Name the three mountain ranges in the Northern and North-Western
Mountains.
Answer: The Karakoram Range, the Himalayas (Siwaliks, Lesser Himalayas, Central
Himalayas), and the Hindu Kush Range.
2. Question: What is the average altitude of the Karakoram Range, and which famous peak
is located there?
Answer: The average altitude is about 6000 meters, and K-2 (8611 meters), the second-
highest peak in the world, is located there.
3. Question: How does the River Indus receive water from the Northern Mountains?
Answer: The River Indus is fed by melting snow and glaciers from the Karakoram and
Hindu Kush ranges.
 4. Question: What are the drainage features formed by the rivers in the Northern
Mountains?
Answer: Gorges, waterfalls, rapids, streams, and springs.

Lifestyle 5. Question: Describe the lifestyle of people living in the Karakoram Range.
Answer: The severe climate leads to a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Agriculture is
practiced in valleys where water is available, and cattle breeding is common.

Climate 6. Question: What type of precipitation is dominant in the Karakoram Range, and why?
Answer: Precipitation mainly occurs in the form of snow due to high altitudes.

Economic Activities 7. Question: Mention two major economic activities in the Northern
Mountains.
Answer: Subsistence agriculture (e.g., growing wheat, rice, and barley on terraced fields) and
handicrafts (e.g., carpets and rugs).
8. Question: What is a major hydroelectric potential of the Northern Mountains, and why
is it underdeveloped?
Answer: The Northern Mountains have significant hydroelectric potential, but its
development is hindered by a lack of capital investment and skilled labor.

Population Density 9. Question: Why is population density low in the Northern Mountains?
Answer: Harsh climatic conditions, rugged terrain, and lack of infrastructure limit settlement
and economic opportunities.

Importance 10. Question: List two reasons why the Northern Mountains are important for
Pakistan.
Answer:
- They serve as a natural border with China and Central Asian Republics.
- Snow-capped peaks provide water to the Indus and its tributaries for irrigation.

Environmental Issues 11. Question: Identify two environmental issues caused by population
growth in the Northern Mountains.
Answer:
- Deforestation leading to soil erosion.
- Pollution of streams and rivers with refuse and sewage.

Western Mountains
Relief and Drainage Features 12. Question: Name the four ranges in the Western Mountains
and their highest peak.
Answer:
- Safed Koh Ranges (up to 4712 meters)
- Waziristan Hills (up to 3513 meters)
- Sulaiman Range (up to 3383 meters)
- Kirthar Range (up to 2174 meters)
 13. Question: What river drains the Vale of Peshawar?
Answer: The Vale of Peshawar is drained by the Rivers Kabul and Swat.

Lifestyle 14. Question: What type of crops are cultivated in the Kohat Valley?
Answer: Wheat, rice, and sugarcane are cultivated with the help of irrigation.

Climate 15. Question: Why are the Safed Koh Ranges called "White Mountains"?
Answer: Because their peaks are often covered with snow.

Economic Activities 16. Question: Name one economic activity in the Vale of Peshawar.
Answer: Agriculture, including cultivation of crops like wheat and sugarcane.

Population Density 17. Question: Why is population density higher in valleys like Peshawar
compared to other areas of the Western Mountains?
Answer: Fertile plains, availability of water, and better irrigation systems encourage
settlements.

Desert Areas
Relief and Drainage Features 18. Question: Name the two major deserts in Pakistan.
Answer: The Thar Desert and the Kharan Desert.
19. Question: How does the climate of deserts affect their drainage features?
Answer: The arid climate leads to seasonal streams and ephemeral drainage patterns.

Lifestyle 20. Question: What is the primary lifestyle of people living in desert areas?
Answer: Nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles, relying on grazing and limited agriculture.

Climate 21. Question: Describe the climate of the Thar Desert.

Answer: It is hot and arid, with very low annual rainfall.

Economic Activities 22. Question: Name one major economic activity in the Thar Desert.
Answer: Grazing and rearing livestock like camels and goats.

Population Density 23. Question: Why is population density low in the desert areas?
Answer: Harsh climatic conditions and limited water resources.
Notes: Weather vs. Climate
Difference Between Weather and Climate
 Weather:
o Short-term atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, and
pressure).
o Localized and changes over hours or days.
 Climate:
o Long-term generalization of weather conditions, observed over 30+ years.
o Regional or global in scope, showing trends and averages.
Factors Affecting the Climate of a Place
1. Latitude: Determines the intensity and duration of sunlight, affecting temperature and
seasons.
2. Altitude: Higher altitudes have cooler temperatures due to reduced air pressure and
thinner atmosphere.
3. Distance from Sea: Proximity to water bodies moderates climate; coastal areas have
milder climates compared to inland regions.
4. Topography: Mountains can block wind and precipitation, creating windward (wet) and
leeward (dry) areas.
5. Ocean Currents: Warm and cold currents influence coastal temperatures and humidity.
6. Winds and Pressure Systems: Movement of air masses and pressure zones dictates
weather patterns and rainfall.
7. Human Activities: Urbanization, deforestation, and pollution impact local climates.

Convectional Rainfall
 Formation Process:
1. Land heats up during summer, warming the air above it.
2. Hot, moist air rises and cools at higher altitudes.
3. Condensation occurs, forming clouds.
4. Rainfall occurs, often accompanied by thunderstorms.
 Areas Affected: Northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan during early
summer.

Relief Rainfall
 Formation Process:
1. Moist air is forced to rise over mountains or highlands.
2. As air ascends, it cools and condenses to form clouds, leading to rainfall on the
windward side.
3. The leeward side receives little to no rainfall, forming a rain shadow area.
 Areas Affected: Highland regions in Pakistan, except for rain shadow areas like Gilgit.

Diagram of Relief Rainfall

A labeled diagram should include:
 A mountain range with clear "windward" and "leeward" sides.
 Moist air ascending the windward slope.
 Clouds forming and precipitation occurring on the windward side.
 Dry air descending on the leeward side, forming a rain shadow.
Here’s the diagram:
Weather and Climate
1. Define weather and climate. How are they different?
o Answer:
 Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall,
humidity, and pressure) of a place over a short period, often localized.
 Climate is the generalization of day-to-day weather conditions over a
long period, typically 30 years.
 The key difference is the time frame: weather is short-term, while climate
is long-term.

Factors Affecting Climate

2. Name and briefly describe the climatic zones of Pakistan.
o Answer:
1. Highland Climate (Zone A): Found in the northern, north-western, and
western mountains; experiences significant variations in rainfall and
temperature.
2. Lowland Climate (Zone B): Dominates the Indus Plain.
3. Coastal Climate (Zone C): Found along the Makran Coast, Karachi Coast,
and Indus Delta.
 4. Arid Climate (Zone D): Includes the south-eastern desert and south-
western Balochistan.
3. What factors lead to differences in climate within the same climatic zone?
o Answer:
Variations in rainfall, temperature, and humidity within a climatic zone arise due
to differences in altitude, proximity to water bodies, and topography. For
example, the Murree and Hazara hills receive over 1500 mm of rainfall annually,
while the western highlands like Quetta receive only 250-500 mm.

Rainfall Types
4. Explain the process of convectional rainfall.
o Answer:
 During early summer, hot air with high moisture content rises.
 As it ascends to higher atmospheric layers, the air cools, leading to
condensation.
 This results in rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms and strong
winds.
5. Why does southern Pakistan not receive convectional rainfall?
o Answer:
 A temperature inversion layer at around 1600 meters prevents
condensation.
 As a result, warm air descends, and no rainfall occurs despite high
temperatures.
6. What is relief rainfall, and how does it occur?
o Answer:
 Relief rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain or
scarp edge.
 The rising air cools, leading to condensation and precipitation on the
windward side.
 The leeward side, where the air descends, remains dry and is known as
the rain shadow area.

Application Questions
7. Why do Murree and Kakul receive rainfall in almost all seasons?
o Answer:
 Murree and Kakul are at high altitudes, which favor relief rainfall.
 These areas also benefit from other sources of rainfall, such as monsoon
winds.
8. Describe the rain shadow effect using an example from Pakistan.
o Answer:
 The rain shadow effect occurs when moist air releases rainfall on the
windward side of a mountain and leaves the leeward side dry.
 For example, Gilgit is a rain shadow area with annual rainfall not
exceeding 125 mm.
 9. How do monsoon winds affect Pakistan's rainfall pattern?
o Answer:
 During summer, high temperatures in central Pakistan create a low-
pressure zone.
 Moisture-laden monsoon winds from the sea move towards this low-
pressure area, bringing heavy rainfall to the upper and lower Indus Plain
in July and August.

Diagram-Based Questions
10. Identify the key features of a relief rainfall diagram.
o Answer:
 Windward side: Moist air rises, cools, and condenses to form rainfall.
 Leeward side: Air descends, warms up, and forms a dry rain shadow area.
 High-altitude areas experience precipitation, while low-altitude leeward
areas remain dry.
11. Using a diagram, explain why Gilgit receives low rainfall despite being in a high-
altitude region.
o Answer:
 Gilgit lies in the rain shadow area of surrounding mountains.
 The mountains block moist air from reaching the region, causing very low
precipitation (125 mm annually).