Physical Features of Pakistan

In terms of physical features, Pakistan is divided into three major areas:

1. Mountain Ranges

The part of the earth that is higher than the surface of the earth, has sloping sides around it, with rocky and uneven surface, is called a mountain. Pakistan has world's highest mountain ranges. Their division is as under:

1) Northern Mountain Ranges (iii) Western Mountain Ranges

(i) Northern Mountain Ranges

The Himalayas and the Karakoram mountains are located in these mountain ranges.

Karakoram Mountain

This mountain range is located in the north of Pakistan. The world's second highest mountain peak K- 2 is located in the same mountain range, that is 8611 meters above sea level. The average height of the Karakoram range is 7000 metres. The rugged peaks of this range remain covered with snow all the year round. The world's highest passes such as Khunjrab and Shandoor are situated in this mountain range. Hunza and Gilgit etc. are beautiful valleys.

Himalayas Mountain

Great mountain range of the Himalayas lies south of the Karakoram Mountains. The Himalayas extend east- west in the north of South Asia. The western part of the Himalayas is located in Pakistan. Its altitude ranges from 1000 meters to 6500 meters. In which the hills of Siwalik, Lesser Himalaya mountain range and greater Himalaya mountain range are located. Nanga Parbat is the highest peak of this mountain range in Pakistan which is about 8126 meters above sea level.

(ii) North Western Mountain Range

Hindukush Range

The Hindukush range is located in the north western part of Pakistan stretching from north to south. This mountain extends from Pamir plateau to river Kabul. Tirchmir is the highest peak of Hindukush, which is about 7690 metres high. The valleys of Chitral, Swat, and Dir are located in this mountain range.

(iii) Western Mountain Ranges

Koh-e-Sufaid

Koh- e- Sufaid lies to the south of river Kabul and is spread in east- west direction. The average height of this mountain range is 3600 metres. Khayber pass lies to the north of Koh- e- Sufaid. Khayber pass is a historical passage between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is about 53km long. River Kurram flows in the south of the Koh- e- Sufaid.

Waziristan Hills

Kohat and Waziristan hills are located in the south of Koh- e- Sufaid. These are different hill ranges. The Kurram, Tochi and Gomal are important passes of these hills. These hill ranges located between river Kurram and Gomal stretch from the north to south. River Tochi is another important river of these hill ranges.

Koh-e-Suleman