Pakistan: Geo-physical

Features
Strategic Significance
Administrative Divisions
Strategic Significance
 Location of Pakistan:
 Pakistan lies between 23 degrees 35 minutes to 37 degrees 05 minutes North latitude
and 60 degrees 50 minutes to 77 degrees 50 minutes east longitude.
 It touches the Hindukush Mountains in the north and extends from the Pamirs to the
Arabian Sea.
 The country has a total area of 796,095 sq km and is nearly four times the size of the
United Kingdom.
 From Gwadar Bay in its south-eastern corner, the country extends more than 1,800 km
to the Khunjerab Pass on China' border.
 It consists of such physical regions as
 a) the western offshoots of Himalayas which cover its northern and north western
parts of which the highest peak K-2 rises to 8611 meters above sea level;
 b) the Balochistan plateau
 c) The Potohar Plateau and salt range and
 d) The Indus plain, the most fertile and densely populated area of the country. It gets
its sustenance from the Indus River and its tributaries.
Climatic Overview:

 Climatically, Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety.

 North and north western high mountainous ranges are extremely cold in winter
while the summer months of April to September are very pleasant.
 The plains of the Indus valley are extremely hot in summer with a cold and dry
weather in winter.
 The coastal strip in the South has a moderate climate. There is a general
deficiency of rainfall.
 In the plains annual average ranges from 16 centimeters in the northern parts of
lower Indus plain to 120 centimeters in the Himalayan region.
 Rains are monsoonal in origin and fall late in summers. Due to the rainfall and
high diurnal range of temperature, humidity is comparatively low.
 Only the coastal strip has high humidity.
 https://www.pakistanstudies-aips.org/pakistan/geography
Geo-strategy

 This term was first introduced by Fedric L Schuman.

 Where Geo means Earth and strategy means planning's, tactics and policy.
 Definition of Geo-strategy
 1: a branch of geopolitics that deals with strategy
 2: the combination of geopolitical and strategic factors characterizing a
particular geographic region
 3: the use by a government of strategy based on geopolitics.
 “Geostrategic means the importance of a country or a region as by virtue of its
geographical location. "The geographical significance of a country plays a
essential role in the world politics for that country. It marks that how critically
beneficial is the country to the other countries in social, economic and political
respects.
Strategic Geography:

 Strategic geography is concerned with the control of, or access to,

spatial areas that have an impact on the security and prosperity of
nations.
 Spatial areas that concern strategic geography change with
human needs and development.
 This field is a subset of human geography, itself a subset of the more
general study of geography. It is also related to geostrategic
significance.
Strategic Significance:
 Pakistan in Asia has much geographical importance because of its
strategic location.
 Firstly, Pakistan has all features of nature like sea, deserts, mountains,
rivers.
 Secondly, in this region there are four seasons; summer, winter, autumn
and spring.
 Pakistan shares its borders with very prominent countries in the world like
India, China, Afghanistan and Iran.
 Land lock countries do not have route for the transportation of goods
by sea therefore, Pakistan also provides sea transportation to some
countries.
 Interestingly, Pakistan is a Muslim country and it is located in the chain of
the Muslim countries therefore, it is also known as "Center of Muslim
World".
Geo-Strategic Importance of Pakistan: Regional and Global
Dimension
GEOGRAPHICALLY LOCATION OF PAKISTAN WITH-RESPECT TO
NEIGHBORS:

 i) Towards north is China. It shares 400 km long boarder with china.

 ii) Towards north Tajikistan though no boarder but a narrow strip as
Wahkhan strip separate the two.
 iii) Towards east, Punjab-Rajasthan boarders which is 1650 km long.
 iv) Towards west, Afghanistan and Durand line of 2250 km.
 v) Towards south, Arabian and Indian sea. Coastal belt is about 700 km.
 vi) Pakistan’s significance is enhanced as it lies near the Persian Gulf where
65% of the world’s oil is produced
Geo-strategic importance of Pakistan:

1. Proximity of Great powers.

2. Gateway to Central Asia.

3. Significance as a Transit economy.

4. Important link in the chain of Muslim countries.

5. China’s link to the Middle East.

6. Reduce Indian hegemony in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

7. Natural Resources

8. Importance of Gwader Port

9. War against Terrorism

Proximity of great powers:
 Pakistan is located at the junction of great powers. In its neighbors one
world power Russia and the other power China lies. Any alliance among
world powers enhances its significance. This factor has been utilized by
Pakistan after 9/11. Security and business are two main US interests in the
region while Pakistan is playing a front line role in the war against terrorism.
Apart from this US interest in the region to contain the growing china,
nuclear Iran, (terrorist) Afghanistan and to benefit from the market of India.
 Today the political scenario of the region is tinged with preventive
measures policy and US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran's nuclear
program, India's geopolitical muscles (new strategic deal with US) to gain
control and to counter the rise of china.
 In all these issues, Pakistan is directly or indirectly involved especially after
al-Qeada operations. The American think tank has repeatedly accepted
that war against terrorism could never be won without the help of Pakistan.
Pakistan has rigorously fought and an operation in Waziristan was also
targeting the suspected Taliban in the bordering area.
Gateway to central Asia-(oil and
energy game):
 Central Asia is the center stage of new Great games. Western quest for
resources- oil and energy resources in the central Asia. After USSR decline,
new quest started which is as manifested by politics of oil.
 Pakistan is located very close to the oil rich Middle Eastern countries. The
belt started from Iran and extended to Saudi Arabia.
 Thus, Pakistan can influence shipment of oil. Iran is struggling to export its
surplus gas and oil to eastern countries, Qatar, Pakistan and Turkmenistan
pipeline projects highlight the position.
 In the energy threatened world, Pakistan is located in the hub of energy
rich countries i-e Iran and Afghanistan: both are energy abundant while
India and china are lacking. China finds way to Indian Ocean and Arabian
sea through Karakoram highway,
Significance as a Transit economy:

 Pakistan has the potential to develop transit economy on account is its strategic
location, land locked Afghanistan now at the phase of reconstruction finds its
ways through Pakistan.
 China with its fastest economy growth rate of 9% us developing southern
provinces because its own part is 4500 km away from Sinkiang but Gwadar is
2500 km away.
 Moreover, Pakistan offers central Asian regions the shortest route of 2600 km as
compared to Iran 4500 km or turkey 5000 km.
 Gwadar port with its deep waters attracts the trade ships of China, CAR and
south east Asian countries, also the coastal belt of Baluchistan can provide
outlet to China's western provinces to have access to middles eastern markets
with the development of coastal highways and motorways.
Important link in the chain of Muslim
countries:

 If we look at the map of Muslim countries, Pakistan occupies a central

location.
 Towards west of Iran, China extends to North Africa.
 Thus it can actively participate in the activities of Muslim world-economic
development, transport of resources and above all combat terrorism.
Muslim country with nuclear capability:

 In the region, Pakistan is the Muslim country having nuclear capability

which has great influence on the political, socio-economic activities in the
region and the maintenance of status quo in the region.
Reduce Indian hegemony in the
Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean:

 Provide the path ways to countries to increase economy and

have good relations all over the world, after the settlement of
limits in Arabian ocean.
Natural Resources:

 It is believed that they most vital factor which can be helpful for any
country is the natural resources. And Pakistan is a world’s populous country
due to its natural resources. Pakistan has the world’s fifth largest gold mine
in Baluchistan, world’s second largest salt mine in Punjab and world’s sixth
coal mine also in Punjab. Pakistan has three of the biggest mountains of the
world. It is said that these mountain ranges serve us safe from Siberia winds.
The huge glaciers supply water in the rivers. Our huge market makes it an
avid hub for export of the commodities by our neighbors.
Importance of Gwader Port:
 History shows that Russia had exhibited its curiosity to attain ‘warm water’
seaport and to counter the growing supremacy of us in the region and on the
globe as well. They wanted to have a port which will help them directly counter
the intrusion of any state to capture or create threat to Russia. For this the two
main parts of this South Asian region, the Gwader port and the Chahbahar port
of Iran were the vital ones. Being the 3rd largest country by area on the globe
and 2nd in Asia, China does not have any hot water port which it can use for its
trade throughout the year to multiply its economy. For this China is looking very
keenly to operationalize the Gwader port to full extent which will help in its
trade and economy throughout the year. Caribbean contains warm water: The
water is very clear therefore visibility is obvious. Channel Islands and California
contain semi-warm water: The water is clear, but not as clear as in the
Caribbean. On the contrary side, Puget Sound and Strait of Georgia contain
Cold water therefore visibility is very limited. In trade visibility has great
importance. Gwadar Port is a warm-water, deep-sea port situated on the
Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The port is a major
destination in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.
War against Terrorism:

 The world is facing a huge problem of terrorism. Pakistan is a route for

transportation and a front line state against terrorism. Afghanistan which is now
the focus of world’s attention is generally regarded as the breeding ground of
all the international terrorism. Now, the US and NATO troops fighting in
Afghanistan are well aware that they are heavily dependent on Pakistan for
winning war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has other neighbors also such as Iran,
Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, but Pakistan provides the easiest route for the
provision of NATO Supplies to the forces in Afghanistan. The American think tank
has repeatedly accepted that war against terrorism could never be won
without the help of Pakistan. Pakistan has rigorously fought and an ongoing
operation in Waziristan is also targeting the suspected Taliban in the bordering
area.An alliance of countries from North America and Europe committed to
fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949.
Pakistan offers huge potential and opportunities for
trade and investment to both foreign investors and
the local economy.
 Pakistan is ranked number one in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business
Index.’ in Asia
 Pakistan is world’s 2nd largest producer of water, buffalo meat and milk
 Pakistan is world’s 3rd largest producer of cotton
 Pakistan is the 4th largest goat meat supplier
 Pakistan has 5th largest Coal and Gold reserves
 Pakistan is the 7th largest wheat grower
South Asian, West Asian, Central Asian
Countries
 South Asia: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),
a contiguous block of countries, started in 1985 with seven countries —
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka —
but was extended to include Afghanistan as an eighth member in 2006.
 West Asia : Turkey, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia,
Cyprus, Oman, and Yemen as part of West Asia
 Central Asia:
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
 Inside Pakistan……

Rural Areas Urban Areas

 Less Population  Dense population
 Homogenous  Heterogeneous
 Manual Labor  Skilled Labor
 Agricultural based Economy  Hub of economical activities
 Less developed  Complex administration bodies
Administrative Setup of Pakistan:
(Bicameral)
 Senate  National Assembly:
 The senate of Pakistan is the  It is the Lower house of the
upper legislative chamber of the bicameral Majlis e Shura.
bicameral legislature of Pakistan
 A political party must secure 137
and together with the National
seats to obtain and preserve a
Assembly makes up the
majority.
parliament of Pakistan.
‫خیبر پختونخواہ‬ Introduction:

 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is located in the north-west of

Pakistan.
 Its total area is 28,773 sq. mi, 74,521 square km.
 The total population of KPK is more than 30,508,920.
 North-west Frontier Province, was created in 1901.
 In 2010 the name of the province was officially changed to
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
‫خیبر پختونخواہ‬ Administrative Setup

 The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) after

Fata Merger consist of 7 (seven) divisions.
 District is the third order administrative unit of Pakistan,
below provinces and divisions.
 Further, the District is divided into tehsils.
 However, the district is the first tier of local government.
 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has 34 (thirty-four)
districts.
 Peshawar is the biggest division of KPK by
population.
 Lower Chitral is the largest division of KPK by area.
 Torghar is smallest division by area and by
population of KPK.
‫گلگت بلتستان‬
‫گلگت بلتستان‬ Introduction:

 Gilgit Baltistan based on the Northern areas of Pakistan.

 Total areas of Gilgit Baltistan is 72,971 square Km.
 Total population is 1,492,924.
 It was declare the 5th province of Pakistan in 2009.
‫گلگت بلتستان‬ Administrative Setup

 This province is composed of two part: Gilgit

and Baltistan.
 Gilgit-Baltistan is administratively divided into
three divisions.
 Gilgit-Baltistan is divided into 14 districts
according to 2019 figures.
‫پنجاب‬
‫پنجاب‬ Introduction:

 Punjab province is famous for various Sufi shrines and Data darbar in
particular.
 Capital: Lahore
 Total area of Punjab is 205,344 Square km.
 Total population of Punjab is 109,989,655.
 Punjab is the most thickly populated province.
 The founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, was born in the Punjab town of
Nankana Sahib near Lahore.
‫پنجاب‬ Administrative setup:

 Punjab province has 9 division.

 It has 36 districts.
 Bahawalpur is the largest division by
area.
 Smallest division area wise is
Sahiwal
 Introduction:

 Sindh is famous for its historical

civilization.
 Total area of Sindh is 140,914
km2 (54,407 sq. mi)
 Total population of Sindh is
47,854,510.(a/c to 2017census
 Sindh is the second most
populated province of
Pakistan.
‫سندھ‬ Administrative Setup:

 Sindh is divided into seven divisions and

30 districts.
 The largest division is Thatta by area
while Karachi is the largest division by
population.
‫بلوچستان‬ Introduction:

 Baluchistan, the largest of the

four provinces of Pakistan,
spreads over an area of
347,190 Sq. Km. forming 43.6
per cent of the total area of
Pakistan.
 12,335,129 total population of
Baluchistan.
 Administrative Setup:

 Baluchistan province is
divided into seven divisions
and 33 districts.
 Chaghi is the largest division
of Pakistan by area which is
situated in Baluchistan.
 Quetta is the largest division
of Baluchistan by
population.
Long Live Pakistan

Pakistan Paindabaad