IX Pakistan Studies - Chapter 4 - Land and Climate of Pakistan - Long Question And Answers

Question 1 - Importance of Location of Pakistan

Location of Pakistan
Pakistan is located between 23 degrees.30 North to 37 degrees North Latitude and 61 degrees East to 77 degrees East Longitude. China lies in the north of Pakistan while Afghanistan and Iran are in the West of it. India lies in the East and in the South is Arabian Sea.

The Importance of Location
The location of Pakistan is not only unique in the world but of special importance in South Asia. Pakistan links the east with the west. Some important neighbouring countries of Pakistan are as under.

China
There is 600 km long territory of Pakistan along the border of China. Both countries have political, cultural and trade relations with each other. A road through Gilgit and Hunza goes to Kashmir, a city of China. This road has been made culling the hard rocks of mountain Karakoram. There is a close cooperation between the two countries in heavy machine industry and many other departments. Silk, cloth, machines etc are imported from China.

Central Asian Islamic Countries
Pakistan has religious, cultural and economic relation with the central Asian Islamic Countries. Pakistan is the only country that provides them the nearest sea route and transport facilities. These countries lie in the North West of the Pakistan.


Afghanistan
Afghanistan is situated to the West of Pakistan. When the English got the control of sub-continent, according to a pact with Afghanistan in 1893, the permanent border between the two countries was marked which is called Durand Line.

This line is about 2240 kilometers long with the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both countries have old religious, cultural and trade terms.

Iran
To the West of Pakistan is the border of Iran along province of Balochistan. It is our Islamic brother country. Iran was the first country which recognized the existence of Pakistan in 1947. Iran has made political and trade pacts known as R.C.D. Its name is E.C.O which means Discipline for Economic Cooperation. Iran openly helped Pakistan during the wars of 1965 and 1971. Pakistan proves its friendship with Iran in every hour of need. Islamic revolution has come in Iran by the end of kingship. It has also better relations with Pakistan.

India
India is a Hindu country in the East of Pakistan. There is a common border of 1600 kilometre in between these countries. Both countries are trying to solve their problems including Kashmir. Due to this enmity, wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 have been fought between the two countries. In the last war, our one wing East Pakistan got separated from us due to this enmity. India is always busy in conspiracy by the cooperation of a super power despite of knowing that it is better for the welfare of both countries to develop pleasant terms .Fifteen crore Muslims live in India. Their protection is also a big problem.

Trade Through Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea is in Indian Ocean. Most of the trade between east and west is done through Indian Ocean. Pakistan through Arabian Sea is linked with the Muslims Countries of Persian Gulf. All of them are rich in oil. In Karachi Bin Qasim and Gwader are important seaports of Pakistan. In this respect South-East Asian Muslim countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Burunai, Darussalam) and South Asian Muslim countries (Bangladesh, Maldives and SriLanka) are important. So Pakistan has an important strategic position in the world.










Question 2 - Mountain Ranges of Pakistan

Introduction
The physical features of Pakistan are no similar everywhere. It means that the land of Pakistan is different in various regions from its type. There are chains of high mountains which are covered with snow throughout the year and also fertile lands and green valleys. There are also vast deserts in Pakistan. There are three relief (Physical Features) of Pakistan.

1. Mountains

2. Plains

3. Plateau

Mountains
The part of earth, which is almost 3000 feet above the sea level and has a broad base, steep slope and a narrow top is called a mountain. Mountain ranges are divided into two parts in Pakistan.

1. Northern Mountain Range

2. Western Mountain Range

Northern Mountains Range
This range includes the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush mountain ranges

Himalayan Range
Himalaya is surrounded by most of the part of Pakistan towards North. Himalaya means "the house of ice". These mountains are spread up to Gilgit. The name of one of its top mountain is Nanga Parbat. Its height is 8,126 meters. The chain of Himalaya saves our plains from cold winds of Middle East. They also stop monsoon from Arabian Sea and Bengal Gulf and becomes the source of rainfall. Their highest tops are covered with snow. When in spring and summer seasons the snow melts, our rivers are supplied with abundant water. On their slopes in the south there are forest of precious wood. The touring resorts of Pakistan like Murree, Nathiagali, Abbottabad and Kaghan Valley are also situated in these ranges. Thousand of people come here for recreation. The valley of kashmir is in the heart of these ranges which is considered the Paradise on Earth.

Karakoram Range
Karakoram is situated in the north of Himalaya in which Northern Kashmir and the regions of Gilgit are situated. The average height of Karakoram range is 7,000 meters. Its highest top is K-2 which is 8.611 meters high. The top of its neighbouring Mountains are covered with snow throughout the year. But in summer the normal life begins and people become busy in earning their livings. The canals flow fast and green grass grows. This mountain range lies between Pakistan and China. Here Karakoram Highway (KKH) has been built along the river Hunza due to which trade between the two countries has progressed very much.


North Western Mountain Range
Hindukush Range
The Hindukush range lies in the north West of Karakoram Range. Most of the mountains of this range are in Afghanistan. The highest top of this range is Tirichimir which is 7690 meters high. In this range Chitral and Deer are situated. These mountains become the source of tains in summer season in Pakistan and India.

Western Mountains Ranges
The Koh-e-Sufain
Khyber Pass is situated in the South of river Kabul which joins Kabul to Peshawar this Pass is an old passage of trade. All the invaders in olden times entered in the Sub-Continent through this Pass which is 53 km long. Peshawar Cantonment lies close to Khyber Pass the koh-e-Sufaid is in the South of this Pass. The average heigh of this are covered with snow throughout the year.That is why it is called Koh-e-Sufaid. River kurram flows in its south. Trade with Afghanistan is carried out through Kurrahi Pass.

Kohat And Waziristan Hills
Kohat and Waziristan hills are situated between two rivers i.e. Gomal and Kurram. This mountain range is spread to north-south direction. River Tochi is an important river of this range. There are many passes through these mountains. These passes promote cultural and trade ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tochi and Kurram passes are located in these hills.

Suleiman Range
Koli Suleiman is in the South of River Gornal. The highest peak is Tukht-e-Suleiman which is 3,500 meters high. It is a barren land . It is destroyed due to floods. Government controls flood by constructing high boundaries. Important place is Bolan at which river Bolan is situated. Through this path, railway line reaches Quetta after passing through Sibbi.

Kirthar Range
It is in the south of Karakoram range which is high and dry. The maximum heigh of the Kirthar range is 2150 meters. In its south river Hub and Lyari flow which fall in the Arabian Sea at karachi.

Salt Range
The chain of Salt Range starts from the mountains of Tilla Jogian and Bakrala Hills on the bank of river Jhelum. These chains run for some distance along the river and then in the West after passing through Bannu meet with the Suleiman Mountain. the average heigh of Slat Range is 700 meters. In district Skesar its heigh becomes 1,500 meters. The river Swan is the famous river of this area.









Question 3 - Plains of Pakistan

Plain Area
This plain is spread, in the South of Slat Range and in the East of Suleiman Range and Kirthur Mountain which is spread up to the Arabian Sea. This region is irrigated by river Indus, Ravi, Jhelum, Sutleg and Chenab. Hence it is called the indus plain. The point of Mithan Kot all other reivers join Indus. The plain above Mithan Kot is called the upper Indus plain. The upper part of river Indus is made of teh soil brouth by rivers. So it is very fertile. There are a few rainfalls in it. There is a long chain of canals spread in this area which is unique in the world. Due to these effects good crops are produced over here. In this plain some hills are seen near Chiniot and Sangla Hill. These are not so high to obstruct roads and canals for irrigation. In the West of river Jhelum there is a desert of Thai. This is now irrigated by canals coming from Jinriah Barrage. Due to which a large part of Thai has been populated. There are many Doabas in this region, For Example Ban Doab, Singh, Sagar Doab, Neli Bar in district Multan and Sahiwal, Gunji Bar and Kuruta Bar. As soon as we go away teh plain became higher and higher. This raised region plain called Daras. In the north of Daras, the plains of Bannu and Peshawar are very fertile. Good crops are found here due to canals and tube wells. The important crops of its region are wheat, rice, cotton, sugar cane, tobacco and oil seeds.

The Lower Indus Plain
The region in the south of Mizhan Kot to the Arabian Sea is called the lower Indus Plain. It includes the most part of Sindh Province. This plain is very fertile. In the North of sindh many canals have been dug due to which good crops are produced. The people of this region are becoming rich day by day.The central part of sindh has been irrigated by canals to a large extent, but the eastern part is still desert. It is called the desert of Thar many arrangements are being made for teh progress of this region. Near Thatha, rever indus starts making Delta and is divided into many branches which afterwards fall in the Arabian Sea. During rainy season most of its part is flooded with water and bring large destruction.

Deserts
The south eastern part of Pakistan consists of deserts. This area includes the district of Bahawalpur, Sukkur, khairpur, Sanghar, Mir Pur Khas and Tharparkar. Following are main deserts of Pakistan.

Cholistan
The area which is situated in Bahawalpur is called Cholistan.

Kharan
This desert is situated in the North West of Balochistan province. Which is called Desert of Kharan. Deserts are unpopulated and barren due to less rainfall.


Coastal Plain
The length of coastal plain of Pakistan is about 700 kilometers which starts from the border of Sindh with an Indian and ends at Pakistan and Iran in the West. The coastal areas of Pakistan are very important due to its geographical situation. Also the possibility of mineral oil in the sea has increased the importance of coastal regions. That is why the government is giving more importance to the progress of these areas.

Plateau
The area which consists of ridges trough basin plains and dessected plains is known as Plateau.

Pothohar Plateau
In the north of Pothohar Plateau, there are Kala Chitta and Margalla Hills. In the south of Salt Range river Jhelum flows in the east and river Indus in the west. The chain of Salt Range starts from the mountains of Tilla Jogian and Bakrala hills on the bank of river Jhelum. These chains runs for some distance along the river and then in the west after passing through Bannu meet with suleiman mountain. The average height of Salt Range is 700 meters. In district sakasar its height becomes 1,500 meters. This is the reason of pleasant weather over here. Although the mountains of salt range are barren but are full or mineral wealth where the reservoirs of salt, gypsum, stone of calcium and coal are present. The famous Khewra Mine of salt is also here. In the north of Salt range is the plateau of Potwar its height is 300-600 meter. The land here is dry and stony. At certain place cultivation is done. Here the reserves of kersone oil are found. Two important rivers flow here. Among them rivers Swan is the larger one. Its valley is called Swan Valley and its famous for old civilization. The name of the second river is river Hurd. These two rivers flow from East to West and fall in river Indus.

Balochistan Plateau
This plateau is located in Balochistan in the south of coastal Makran range. Siahal range, central makran range Rass range are important. There height gradually increases from 300 meters to 2000 meters. In the north of the plateau of Balochistan is Chaghi Range. The famous Khojak pass is in this range. Toba kakar is in the north east of Balochistan. The average height of this range is 3000 meters. In the north west of Balochistan, there are salt lakes. The famous one is Hamun-e-Mashkhel River Gomal, Zhob and Hingol are important. This plateau is frill of precious metals. There are vast oil reserves here. Sui gas is dug from its southern part which is a great blessing of God and Pakistan largely depends upon it for its progress. Here also lie the reserves of coal, iron and chromites and copper.










Question 5 - Climatic Regions of Pakistan

Climate
Climate of a country is based on a long study of its weather conditions. Pakistan is situated in the north of tropic of cancer. Pakistan is a sub-tropical country. The average temperature of January in the plains of Pakistan is 4 degree C and maximum temperature of the same month is 24 degree C, whereas the minimum temperature in the month of June/July is 30 degree C and maximum temperature in the same month is 48 degree C. The maximum temperatue of Sibbi and Jocobabad is about 52 degree C.

Elements of Climate
The most important elements of climate are temperature, pressure, winds, rainfall and humidity etc.


Situation of Pakistan
Pakistan is situated in the north of tropic of cancer. Pakistan is a sub-tropical country. It is situated in the western part of the monsoon region. Some of the areas in the north of Pakistan is warm and mist, whereas the mountainous area have highland type climate.

Pakistan is divided into following regions on the basis of its climate.

1. Sub-Tropical Continental highland

2. Sub-Tropical Continental plateau

3. Sub-Tropical Continental lowland

4. Sub-Tropical Coast land

Sub-Tropical Continental higland
It includes Pakistan's northern mountain ranges (outer and central Himalayas), north-western mountain ranges. (Waziristan, Zobe and Loralai) and the mountain ranges of Balochistan (Quetta, Sara waft, Central Makran and Jalawan). Here the winter is extremely cold, normally there is snowfall. Summer season is quite cool and in spring and winter seasons there is mostly fog and rainfall.

Sub-Tropical Continental plateau
In this climate region most of the parts of Balochistan are included. From may to the mid of september hot and dusty winds continuously blow. Sibbi and Jacobabad are located in this region. There are a few rainfall during the month of January and February (normally 5 cm). Extreme hot, dry and dusty winds are important characteristics of this region.

Sub-Tropical Continental lowland
This climated region includes the upper Indus plain (Punjab Province) and lower Indus plain (Sindh Province). Summer is very hot. The north of Punjab receives less rainfall. Winter rainfall situation is the same. In teh Thai, Kachhi, Sibbi and south-eastarn plains and dry and a large area in desert. The Peshawar plain experience thunder storms and dust storms during summer.

Sub-Tropical Coastland
This climate region includes the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan province or the southern part of Pakistan. The temperature is moderate. The different between maximum and minimum temperature is less. There is inflow of sea breeze throughout the summer and the humidity is high. Annual average temperature is 32 degree C and rainfall is 18 cm. May and June are the honest months. The plain of Lasbela receives rainfall both in summer and winter seasons. pakistan is situated in monsoon type of climate. There are extreme variations in the temperature. A major part of Pakistan lies at a great distance from the sea.









Question 6 - Effects of Climate

The effect of Climate of Humans
Climate effects lives very much. The dress, way of living, food, professions, plays, customs adn economic life of any country dependes upon its climate and other conditions of weather. Pakistan is very vast in area so different regions differ a lot in their climate, due to this difference of climate the hobbies, professions and way of living of Pakistani people have a large difference.

Northern Mountain region and winter season
In the north it is too cold and the temperature falls below freezing point 0 degree C and some regions have snowfall. In these regions cold has effected the human and animal lives. In winter the growth of grass and other plants stops. Grass is pressed by ice. The leaves of trees falls and the region is covered with snow. At some places teh river and pond water also freezes.

The Activity of Work
In this intence cold people leaves their out a side works and has a stay in their houses. There is neither any play nor any bussiness due to blockage of passages by snowfall. The people here collect food and other things of need for themselves and their animals for this period. Most of the people of this, region go on plains during inter and come back in summer.

North Mountain Region and Summer Season
The condition here is changed by the arrival of summer. The regions become green by the growth of grass and trees. The weather become pleasant. The fountains of clear water and stream add to teh beauty of this region.

Activity of Work
There is a large activity in summer everywhere. People become busy in their work outside the house. Irrigation start and children young men are seen active in their work so that they become able to get their crops before winter. Trade and other bussiness starts. Everyone tries to save something for winter season.

Foreign Jobs
The people of these areas are hardworking, brave and strong. Because the jobs in the northern mountain areas are less so a large number of people not only do jobs in different parts of Pakistan but also in foreign countries. They not only earn their livings by hard work but also bring foreign exchange to Pakistan.

Jobs in Armed Forces
These people play active role in Pakistan Army due to their bravery and have won name in wars.

Heavy Dress
Because of intence cold, the people of this area wear heavy and silky dress.

Hardworking
There is vast plain area of Pakistan in the south of northern mountain region. The climate of this plain is very intense. It is very cold in winter and very hot in summer. Due to its intense kind of climate these people have much patience in the intencse heat the people of this region grow crops and trees. These people start their work early in the morning and work late till night.

Rest in the Afternoon
These people feel it necassary to take in the afternoon to become fresh.

Fruits and Crops
The soil and climate of these regions is suitable for cultivation, so crops are grown in both summer and winter. A large amount of fruit crops, grain is produced. Due to this the people of this area are prosperous.


Highly Populated Areas
These areas are highly populated. Means of transportation are abundant. Education and other necessities of life are available. Most of the people are farmers. Many people also do government jobs. The people of this region also do trade and jobs in industries.

People of Deserts
The southern parts which include Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Mianwali and Muzafargarh are desert like. These are very hot areas in summer. Storms come and mounds af sand change their place from time to time. People save them from heat by wearing thick clothes and hide their head with cap or cloth. The winter season is very short.

Journey in the Night
People do not travel in the daytime. They travel at night in the form of caravans and the bells of their camels can be heard.

Breading the Cattle
Cultivation is done in those areas where canal water is available. The other regions where there is little rainfall, ordinary grass and bushes grow. Here goats and cattle are bread. These people walk from place to place in search of grass and water.

Balochi People
The climate of regions of Balochistan Plateau is very intense. Winter is much cold and there is snowfall here. These people do the work of handicrafts while sitting in their houses in the winter. Balochi women are very expert in emboidery of glasswork. Some people leave this area in winter and return back in summer. The people of Balochistan wear loose clothes and use turban.

Irrigation by Karays
The regions of little rain are irrigated by water of heavy rain stored under ground house. These are called Karays. Because these houses are underground so they do not let water to absorb in the oil or evaporate.

Modern Steps
In regions where underground water is not available the government is making arrangments of tube-wells. The water of fountains is also saved from going waste. These steps have given benefits to certain areas for irrigation and cultivation. The cold and dry climate of this plateau is suitable for the growth of fruits.

Meadows and Green Regions
There is usually the shortage of water in regions of Balochistan. This is the reason that water of natural fountains and reservoirs is considered precious. The meadows and green part of this area are very important. The people pay special attention in breeding goat and cattle. They are brave, hardworking and intelligent.

Professions
Climate has also its effect on human profession. Agriculture is the main profession due to fertile lands of Punjab. The agriculture system is not good in some regions of Jhelum and Rawalpindi, therefore people of these areas prefer military jobs. Here military job is give importance. The people of coastal region are boatmen and fisherman. The people of the frontier do jobs for a short time due to intense cold and snowfall. Their women earn their livings by sewing clothes doing embroidery and handicrafts while the men migrate to different regions to do manual labour. The people of regions where grass and bushes grow breed goats and cattle. They deal in Cotton and do trade. Agriculture regions also progressing from industrial point of view.

Way of Living
Climate effects way of living very much. There is much work of wood in the construction of houses in the regions of heavy rainfall and roofs of these are made in the form of slopes in the lower parts of Sindh where moisture-laden airflows people have made their chambers. In karachi many story buildings are constructed according to its climate. In deserts people live in small tents. In this way, the way of living in Punjab, Frontier and Balochistan is different from each other.

Dress
Climate effects the dress of a region very much. In Punjab villagers use khaddar in winter and thin clothes in summer. People of Frontier due to intense cold wear long and thick clothes. They cover the head with turban. The people of Thar and deserts cover their head with turban and its one part is used to save the neck. In the same way Sindhi and Balochi wear particular dresses. The women of different regions wear different types of dresses.









Question 7 - Environmental Pollutants

Natural Environment
Physical or natural environment is very essential for the prosperity of life on earth. Natural environment means air water and all these things which are essentials for some form of life.

Necassary for a Healthy Life
Clean air to breathe pure water to drink and food free for impurities are necassary for a healthy life.

Unnecassary Changes in Natural Environment
The unsuitable or unnecassary changes in natural environment can be dangerous for the properity of life. Polluted air, dusty water and impure food etc are injurious to human health.

The Present Condition of World
Now a day the whole world is facing the dangerous problem of environmental pollution. The smoke from cars and factories, solid waste, horn or any such noise are the causes of environment pollution.

Effects of Pollutants
Let us now examine the effects of pollutants in air, water, soil and food etc

Air
Composition of Air
The air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide etc. These are the bases of existence of every form of life on earth. The oxygen in the air is essential for our life. Where as other gas are necassary for animal and plant life also


Food
Climate also effects our food. The people of mountains use meat, barley and fruit. They need must food to save their body from cold. The people of Punjab use milk, curd and lassi. The main portion of the food of the people living near coastal areas is fish. In the same way there is a large difference of food of villagers and the people living in cities.

Pollutants are Increasing
With the increase in population of the world use of fossil fuel or power resoures like coal, oil etc has increased. By burning these fossil fuels the pollution has increased in the air. Therefore, increase in population and industrial development, environment especially air is being effected.

Water
Water is also necassary as like air. We should drink clean and pure water. In 20th century with the industrial revolution and increase in population the use of water has increased. But now a day the availability of pure water to drink has become difficult.

Contaminates of water
Water has been contaminated by different types of germs, bacteria, virus and other chemicls. So by the use of contaminated water the diseases of stomach are spreading. Insecticides not only damage the soil but they contaminate the food crops and vegetables. Different kinds of fertilizers increase the yield of crops but the upper layer of soil and increase the quantity of chemicals in the production.

Problem of Water Logging and Salinity
In those areas, where rainfall is the irrigation system has made the cultivation of land possible. Due to canal system a large amount of water is absorbed by the ground that raises the level of underground water. This brings the salt of the soil out and effects the fertility of the land and a problem of water logging and salinity is increased. Therefore it is necassary that canals should be cemented to avoid the seepage of water by the ground. Tube wells should be installed so that the ground water level can be lowered in these effected areas.

Planted Trees
More trees should be planted on the sides of tides and canals to avoids the flow of soil and decrease the salinity.

Polluted Water of Wastage Material
The polluted water of urban and industrial areas is drained to the rivers and canals. This contaminated water irrigates the agricultural land and gives very harmful results. So this industrial and sewerage water should be recycled and then pumped into the rivers and canals. The strict laws made by the government are not enforced strictly to avoid the disasters.

Wastage Material
At this time out of 50 thousand tones of solid waste produced daily only 20-50 percent is transported to clumps properly. Rest of the solid waste becomes the part of water, soil and air etc and damages the life.

To Control this Issue
Government feels that pollution is harmful for human health. Therefore, National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is working for improvement of environment. The main focus is on the improvements of the institutions, legislation and environment awareness among the people, plantation and marine pollution management. The government of Pakistan has allocated more than Rs.287 million rupees for this purpose to control this issue.