Pakistan, situated in South Asia, exudes strategic, economic, and environmental intricacies due to its geographic placement. Surrounded by Afghanistan to the northwest, Iran to the west, India to the east, China to the northeast, and the Arabian Sea to the south, Pakistan's location is both a boon and a bane.
Its geographic stance offers strategic significance yet necessitates grappling with natural disasters, regional volatility, and economic hurdles. Spanning approximately 796,095 square kilometers, Pakistan’s diverse terrains shape its multifaceted landscapes.
The nation can be divided into major geographical regions as follows:
Northern Mountain Region:
Encompassing the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram mountain ranges, it spans provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. While these mountains are breathtaking, they also present seismic and landslide hazards.
Western Plateau Region:
Partaking regions like Balochistan, it harbors vast plateaus and arid deserts enriched with resources like copper, gold, and natural gas. However, much of the area remains arid and sparsely populated.
Source: aajtak
Indus River Plains:
The most fertile and densely populated region of Pakistan, nestled in Punjab and Sindh provinces, fed by the Indus River and its tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej), fostering crucial agriculture.
Southern Coastal Area:
Nestled alongside the Arabian Sea, home to vital ports like Karachi and Gwadar—while strategically important for trade yet vulnerable to cyclones and marine threats.
Desert Areas:
Thar and Cholistan deserts in the southeastern parts face climate change and drought-related challenges.
Pakistan's geographic location sensitizes it to climate change, earthquakes, floods, and regional conflicts. It acts as a key trade and strategic conduit between Central and South Asia.
Threats from Balochistan
Balochistan, the largest province by area, is ripe with natural resources, yet grapples with unrest and rebellion. Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, it holds strategic importance, yet multiple threats prevail...
Rebellion and Separatism:
The Baloch tribes have long revolted against the central government, alleging resource exploitation without development. Since 1948, uprisings persist via organizations like the Baloch Liberation Army.
Terrorism and Border Tensions:
Extremist groups target Pakistani military and foreign projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Border tensions with Iran and Afghanistan exacerbate regional instability.
Resource Exploitation and Social Discord:
Resource-rich sites like Reko Diq attract global firms, yet locals see little benefit, fueling social discord and violence.
Balochistan’s turmoil is a threat not only to Pakistan's internal security but also impacts regional stability.
The Flood Problem
Pakistan’s geographic shape renders it highly flood-prone. The Indus River and its tributaries are its lifelines, yet monsoon rains and glacial melts elevate flood risks. The catastrophic 2022 floods submerged a third of the country, claimed over 1,300 lives, and displaced millions, damaging infrastructure, crops, and livestock.
Source: aajtak
Causes of Floods...
Climate Change: Despite contributing less than 0.1% of greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan bears intense climate change impacts.
Inadequate Water Management: Poor management of dams and reservoirs intensifies flooding.
Urbanization: Unplanned urbanization strains drainage systems, worsening flood impacts.
Floods have severely affected Sindh and Punjab's plains, where dense populations and agricultural economies prevail, increasing threats of food insecurity, health risks (malaria, dengue), and economic woes.
Desert Regions
Primarily in southeastern Pakistan, regions like Thar and Cholistan face challenges...
Water Scarcity: Low rainfall and scarce water resources lead to drought conditions.
Agricultural Limitations: Limited agricultural output due to sandy soils and water scarcity perpetuates poverty and food insecurity.
Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall aggravate desertification, making these areas increasingly arid.
Amidst reports of India suspending the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistani media warns that these areas could become barren like the Thar Desert, heightening starvation risks.
Residential Areas
Pakistan's major urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi house a significant population. These areas face...
Unplanned Urbanization:
Rapidly growing populations and lack of urban planning strain infrastructure, making regions vulnerable to floods and earthquakes.
Security Challenges:
Terrorist attacks in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa render residential zones insecure, with recent military conflicts featuring drone strikes and bombings.
Health and Sanitation:
Following the 2022 floods, clean water and sanitation shortages increased health risks. According to UNICEF, over 10 million remain deprived of safe water access.
Advantages for India
Pakistan's geographic challenges translate into strategic and economic benefits for India...
Water Control
The rivers, Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej originate in India, granting India water control leverage. Recent water diversions, like the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams, have pressured Pakistan's agriculture and water supply. India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty in 2025 further disadvantaged Pakistan.
Strategic Leverage
Balochistan’s unrest and Pakistan's economic instability offer India the chance to expand regional influence. An unstable Pakistan poses challenges on the western front, while it allows India to focus on its eastern borders with China.
Economic Opportunities
India, exporting $60-70 billion of refined petrol and diesel, can economically benefit by boosting trade with Pakistan, potentially easing tensions and expanding India's dominance in the regional market.
Humanitarian and Diplomatic Gains
During natural calamities like the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods, India’s aid offers bolstered its global image. Future assistance could yield diplomatic advantages for India.
Regional Stability
Long-term, a stable Pakistan benefits India by reducing issues like terrorism and illegal immigration. By extending humanitarian aid, India can promote regional stability.
