Plain

The Upper Indus Plain The Northern part of Indus Plain is known as Punjab (West and East)nthe greater
portion of which lies in Pakistan .The level plain is largely made of fertile alluvium deposited by the river
Indus and its rubutaries.Orly near Sargodha,Chiniot and Sangla,some old dry hills rise above the plain
known as the Kirana hills.
The land which lies between two rivers is known as “doab” .The Punjab plain is,therefore,divided into
several doabs e.g.The Bari doab (land between Sutlej and Ravi),the Rechna doab (land between the Ravi
and the Chenab),the Chaj doab (land between the Chenab and the Jhelum) and the Sindh Sagar doab
(land between the Kirana Bar (in the middle of the Chaj doab).
The land in the center of the doab rises to an elevated land called “bar” e.g,the Nili Bar (between the
Sutlej and the Beas),the Ganji Bar (the old course of the beas and the Ravi),the Sandal Bar (in the middle
of the Rechna Doab) and the Kirana Bar (in the middle of the Chaj Doab).
The Sub Mountain plain area ,west of the indus known as “Derajat” is divided into the districts of Dera
Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan.
The annually flooded riverine area is called “Bet” and agriculturally is the most important area.
The Lower Indus Plain
Below Mithonkot in Sindh, the Indus carries not only its own water but also that of its five big
tributarfes..The river flows very slowly and the silt carried by it is largely deposil on its bed,there fore
severe floods are experienced,but the soil is very fertile.
The area is marked by ox-bow lakes locally called “Dhoros” and small salt lakes called “Dhands”.
West of the Indus lies the high Kirtan prdment plain which slopes gently to the river.
Economic Importance
1.Both upper and lower Indus plain are the most important agricultural areas in Pakistan .Wheat ,rice
,cotton,sugar cane,malze,barley,millets,grains,,oil seeds,tobacco and fruits are the main crops.
2.The plain areas produce the bulk of food grains,agricultural raw ,material ,vast market,food poducts
and manufactured goods.Hence most of the Pakistan’s greatest industries are located in the plains.
3.These plains with gentle slope ,levelled lopography are suitable for the construction of canals.Our
Pakistan has got world’s one of the most exellent system of irrigation.
4.The ease of mobility on plains also facilitates the exchange of foods,hence Pakistan’s roads and
railways are found mobily in the plain areas.
5.The economic activities of man are the greatest in the plains also the developed,civilized,cultured
areas,greatest cities consontration of population in Pakistan are found in there areas.
6.Actually the plain areas are the gift of the Indus and its tributariesn .Also these plains are the cradles
of the old civilization e.g.Mohen-jo-daro in Sindh and Harrappa in Punjab.
The Desert Regions
There are three different desert areas located in Punjab and Sindh e.g.:
1.Thal Desert:
More than three fourth of the Sindh Sagar Doab is still a desert or semi-desert (in between Chenab-
Jhelum and indus river).
2.The area in South of Bahawalpur is an arid waste of shifting sand and is known as “Cholistan”.
3.In the eastern parts of the Khairpur and Tharparkar districts,the desert areas are known as “Pat” and
“Thar” respectively.
Economic Importance
Annual rainfall is less than 5.Population is very sparse Agriculture is carried on with the help of
durigation.Also rearing of animals is carried on to some extent.
The Indus Delta
The Indus Delta is marked by a number of tributaries of the Indus River,from Thatta to Arabian Sea.Most
of the part is covered with mangrove swamps.The eastern part is more swampy than the western.Most
of the area is barren.Agriculture is carried out in small patches.
Economic Importance
The major part of the delta is burren.Agriculture is practiced in small patches.The irrigational facilities
provided by the Kotri Barrage have made it possible to reclaim a vast area of the delta.
Coastal Areas
Pakistan has about 600 miles of coastline ,about 150 miles of which is in Sindh from Kutch to Karachi and
about 450 miles long coast is in Baluchistan from Karachi to Jiwani.
Economic Importance
The progress of any country depends upon its coastal importance.International trade with the out side
world is carried on through its ports.For this purpose,in Pakistan,the ports of Karachi and port Qasim are
of very great importance. Also these ports have great defence value.Majority of the coastal population
are fishermen.Fish is not only consumed as food internally,but it is also a source of earning foreign
exchange.

Population
Details of Population Since Independence the population of Pakistan has increased four-fold from 32.5
million in 1947 to 117.32 million on January 1,1992 of which :
47,063,000 live in Punjab
19,029,000 live in Sindh
11,062,000 in NWFP
4332,000 live in Baluchistan
2,198,00 live FATA
340,000 live in Islamabad
(FATA-Fedrally Administered Tribal Area)
Rate of Population Growth
The growth of Population depends upon the net addition of the people which is related to the behavior
of three factors,migration,birth rate and death rate.
Pakistan being a developing country provides no attraction for the people from the other parts of the
world and so the influence of migration on its population growth is almost negligible .It is therefore clear
that the rate of population growth in the country is influenced by the difference between the birth and
death rates.
Therefore, the high rate of growth is due to natural increase, that is,the excess of births over
deaths.Pakistan has one of the highest rates of Population growth in the World.The population is
increasing at the rate of 3.1% per anum as against 3.5% for Mexico,2.3% for India,2% for China,1.6% for
U.S.A ,2% for Asia and Africa ,1% for Europe and average rate 1.8% for the whole world.At this speed of
growth ,the total population by the year 2000 will touch 150 million.
Population Density
Density of population refers to the number of people living per square km.Its study is important because
through it the pressure on the land can be measured and also magnitude of the requirements of the
people can be assessed .It also becomes the base for economic planning.
The density of population in Pakistan,according to the 1981 census,is estimated at 106 persons per
sq.km.as against 82 persons in 1972 census.The density,however,varies widely between provinces.The
Punjab has the highest density of 230 persons,compared to 12 persons per sq.km.for Baluchistan,135 for
Sindh,148 for NWFP ,81 for FATA and 376 for Islamabad.
Causes of Difference in Density of Population
1.The more densely populated centres of Pakistan are situated in the Urban areas,which are the busiest
centres of trade and commerce.Besides,so many industries have also developed around these areas.The
surrounding areas,around Lahore,Faisalabad and Gujranwala,are very fertile.The irrigation facilities are
available ,so the necessities of life can be had easily.The employment facilities in different industrial and
commercial units are also available.That is why the population of rural area is migrating towards these
Urban centres and their population is increasing very rapidly.
2.The areas situated in the plains are more densely populated than the mountain,regions,because the
mountains having pugged topography are not suitable for agricultural activities.Besides,in winter, due to
intense cold,snowfall is common and the mean of transportation become ineffective the establishment
of industries not possible in these areas due to scarcity of resources.That these areas are thinly
populated.
3.In the plains ,the density if population also differs in various regions.The areas of Punjab and Sindh
there irrigation facilities and other resources are available,density of population is more than the dry
Barani areas.Lahore,Faisalabad,Gujranwala,Multan districts are more dense than Attock,Jhelum and
Dera Ghazi Khan districts.Similarly in Sindh,Hyderabad,Larkana,Nawabshah districts are more densely
populated than Tharparkar,Thatta,Dadu and Sanghar Districts.
4.Those areas which are situated far away and where climate is intense,irrigation facilities are not
available ,rain is meager and there is scarcity of resources,even the water for drinking purpose has to be
brought from long distances,there density of population is very low.
Birth and Death Rates
1.Birth Rate
Birth rate in Pakistan also figures highest in the World.In 1988 it stood at 41 per 100 persons.Factors
responsible for the high birth rate in our country are :
(i) Climatic Conditions
(ii) Poverty
(iii) Ill-Literacy
(iv) Social Convention
(v) Psychology of the people
(vi) Economic Conditions and to marry in the early age and
(vii) Religious minded people.
2.Death Rate
Death rate in Pakistan ,particularly of women and infants is very high.In 1988 it stood at 11 per 100
persons.It is because of this factor that the average age in Pakistan is below 30 years.
Distribution of Population in Pakistan
(A)Rural/Urban Distribution
The basis of Urbanity of settlement in Pakistan is its administrative organization (metropolitan,
municipality,town committee,cantonment, civilizations,satellite town) and size (5,000 persons or
over).Pakistan is pre-dominantly an agricultural country,inspite of the developments of the last more
than three decades in the field of industry and commerce.Hence,the vast majority of the population
lives in rural areas.
The table below gives the percentage of the population of Pakistan by Arban/Rural areas during the last
four censuses:
Census Year ———————–Percentage of Population Rural
……………………………..’Urban…………………………….Rural
1951——————————17.8%—————————————–82.2%
1961——————————22.50%—————————————-77.50%
1972——————————25.48%—————————————-74.52%
1981——————————28.28%—————————————-71.72%
Percentage figures of urban population to the total since the beggining of regular censuses in the
country,indicate a general acceleration of growth of urban population.The rate of natural increase of
urban population has been lower than that of rural population.The higher rate of growth of urban
population is,therefore,largely a result of rural-urban migration.
1.Dense Population
With the passage of time ,the village autonomy and solidarity crumbled under impact of economic
forces conductive to rural urban migration.The “freedom” of the city or the availability of greater job
opportunities in the town acted as a magnet.
The process of industrialization has involved marked shifts with the use of material and human
resources.It has altered the occupational large-scale movement of population from rural to the urban
areas.
Pakistan is essentially dry with a large area of un-productive and barren land.For example,in the hills and
sandy wastes of Sindh and Baluchistan,the population is very sparse.By contrast,the fertile Indus plain
supports a fairly dense population.Since,with the help of irrigation.It is possible to grow good crops
there.The highest density-over 2,000 persons per square kilometer is in Karachi division and 1,984
persons per sq.km.is found in Lahore division.This is,of course,due to that city’s great urban,commercial
and industrial development.In the same way,other industrial districts like
Faisalabad,Hyderabad,Peshawar,Rawalpindi and Mardan are densely populated.
In most of the metropoliton centres,improvement of facilities has called to keep pace with the rapid
growth of population and these cities can be said overgrown.The distances to be covered are long and
the means of transport and the width of the roads in adequate and these cities are also known as city of
problems or city of smoke.
The historical evolution of the cities has been such that they have two distinct parts,the old and the
modern.The modern sections have wide roads,impressive lay-out and expensive buildings.The old city
suffers from narrow roads and alleys,closest and small buildings and residential over crowding
.Also,problems of “Katchi Abadis” are also growing rapidly.
2.Sparsely Populated Areas
Before the advent of canal irrigation the population of rural areas was very sparse.After the construction
of canals,water became available to areas away from the rivers,new settlements grew in the irrigated
areas of Sindh and Punjab and there was a continuous rise of population.On the other side ,sparsely
populated areas in the country are :
(i) The Northern and Western hill tracts
(ii) The dry plateau of Baluchistan
(iii) The desert areas of Thal,Thar and Cholistan
In these regions,low rainfall and soll that is either sandy or stone have resulted in barren or waste
lands.For these reasons cultivation is difficult.As a result ,the density of population is less than 50
persons per sq.km.In the more barren regions of Kalat Division,there are only 10 persons per sq.km. and
in Chaghi and Kharan,where less than three percent of the area is cultivated,the density falls as low as
two.
(B) Distribution of Sex
The last three population censuses estimates and also that of 1992 are as follows:
Census Year—————–Total————– Male———————————Female
1961————————– 42,978————-23,017 ——————————-19,961
1972—————————65,321————-34,840——————————–30,481
1981—————————84,253————-44,232——————————–40,021
1992—————————11,7310————61,000——————————–56,310
(estimated)
(C) Distribution By Age
According to 1981 census the distribution of population by age is as under:
(1) Under 15 years-44.04%
(ii) 15 to 54 years-51.84%
(iii) 65 years and above-4.12%
It will be observed that people falling in the age group (15 t 54) years may be considered working
population which is 51.84%,remaining 48.16% is the dependent population .The high degree of
dependency is due to the high proportion of children in the total population.
(D) Literacy-Wise Population
In Pakistan the literate people in towns is higher than in villages.Similarly it is higher in men than in
women.Ratio of educated men and women is 23% and 7.5% respectively.Among the literate persons in
Pakistan only 3.15% have been educated upto secondary school level or above.According to the present
census report,only 20% of the workers are educated .Only 0.40% of the total population have done their
B.A Even fewer are highly educated.

Agriculture and Its Problems in Pakistan

Introduction From time Immemorial,agriculture has been the major occupation of the people of
Pakistan.Even today agriculture is a major sector and occupies a very important place in the economy of
Pakistan.It not only provides food for our growing population but is a source of raw materials for our
principal industries as well as a source of foreign exchange for our government.
32% of our gross domestic products belong to this sector.It engages 53% of our employed labour .About
75% of our people are engaged directly or indirectly with this profession.A large part (about 10%) of
Pakistan’s exports is made up of primary commodities ,including the major cash crops.In addition to this
major large scale industries like cotton textile and sugar etc.as well as medium and small scale agro-
based and cottage industries are directly dependent on this sector for their raw materials.
Problems
Following are the causes of our backwardness in agriculture:
1.Lack of Education
The farmers of our country are mostly un-educated and lack technical knowledge .They are unable to
unde4rstand the modern scientific methods of agriculture and often remain ignorant of good means to
protect and increase their yield.Their production is therefore low.
2.Lack of Capital
The majority of our farmers are poor and they often live in a hand to mouth position.Most of them are
always under heavy burdens of debts.So due to lack of capital they cannot afford to purchase modern
scientific implements,chemical manures,improved types of seeds etc.Hence they can not attain the
required standards.
3.Following the Old Traditions
Most of our farmers are still stuck to the old traditions of their fore fathers.The circumstances have
compelled them to use the crude implements,because due to small holdings of land and poverty they
are unable to acquire and use modern scientific methods.That is why their standard is lower than that of
cultivators in developed countries.
4.Water-logging and Salinity
Due to excessive use of canal water,most of our cultivated lands have become victims of these two
dangerous diseases.Every year ,salinity alone,is turning about 1,00,000 acres of arable land into marches
and salt lands.Water-logging is no less injurious.On the other hand the measures taken so far are quite
inadequate for such issues.
5.Uneconomical Land Holdings
Due to our law of inheritance,our farmers command very small pieces of hands which prove to be
costly.A farmer cannot afford tractors and other machineries for a small piece of land and those his
income is low.Hence his interest is converted to some other sector.
6.Scarcity of Water
Our farmers have to face many problems due to scarcity of water which is one our major
problems.Large tracts of land estimated to be about 22 million acres is lying uncultivated due to
shortage of water.Rainfall is uncertain and the existing irrigational facilities in our country are quite
insufficient and need to be extended.
7.Land Tenure System
The land tenure system of Pakistan has creates a chain of intermediatries in between the state and the
tenants.The system,instead of being conductive to agricultural development ,stands in the way of its
progress.
8.Soil Erosion
In some areas of our country,especially in hilly regions,the upper fertile soil is being eroded by different
natural agents of change .Thus the fertility is poor and soils are becoming less productive.
9.Lack of Organized Marketing
The marketing facilities for agricultural products in Pakistan are still far from satisfactory level.Our
cultivators can not get just prices for their produce due to defective marketing organization. Moreover
the chain of middlemen between the producers and ultimate consumers take a heavy share of their
produce .Thus the cultivators do not take much real interest in increasing their product too.
10.Pests and Crop Diseases
Due to lack of agricultural education and methods of modern research,our farmers cannot control the
various diseases of crops and attacks of pests and insects.The result is low yields.
11.Poor Means of Transportation
The agricultural activities in our country are performed in rural areas,but most of our villages have no
road or railway links with our markets.So farmers have to face innumerable hardships to sell their
products.Hence the farmers take very little interest in their profession and production suffers.
12.Lack of Credit Facilities
The resources required for agricultural operation are land,layout,live stock,farm equipment,
seeds,fertilizers,irrigation,transport etc.For the convenient and timely procurement of these resources
the farmers must have easy access to credit.The A.D.B.P and commercial banks provide loans to the
farmers which are insufficient because our farmers are very poor.
13.Low Yield Per Acre
Due to the above mentioned facts ,it is clear that the yield per acre of various crops in our country is
comparatively low than of the other countries.Hence we are backward agriculturally.
Suggestions Or Remedies To Overcome The Problems
1.Reclamation of Land
The land which has been declared useless due to salinity and water-logging should be reclaimed.Tube-
wells should be installed in the affected areas to decrease the salinity.Beds of new canals should be
made of concrete to avoid water-logging.These measures should be taken on priority basis to avoid
further deterioration of land .
2.Irrigation Facilities
The major problem of agriculture in Pakistan is scarcity of water.Most of the land is lying unused due to
this problem.Therefore,it is necessary that the irrigation facilities be extended for increasing agricultural
out put.
3.The Use Of Fertilizers
The agricultural yield can also be increased to a great extent by using fertilizers.The use of artificial
manure should be introduced through out the country.Due to poverty and illiteracy our farmers hesitate
to purchase the fertilizers.
4.Credit Facilities
The use of better seeds,fertilizers and modern implements is not possible without adequate credit
facilities for the farmers.The government has extended the existing credit facilities to a large extent. The
commercial banks also grant loans to the farmers,but still there is a need for more facilities as our
farmers are very poor.
5.Better Seeds
The farmers should be provided better quality seeds at the lowest price and at the right time.Better
seeds will ultimately give better yield.
6.Plant Protection
Various plant diseases damage a large part of our crops.But our farmers have no effective control over
them.Therefore,preventive and neurative measures should be taken throughout the country.
7.Mechanization
Mechanization of agriculture refers to the use of various equipments the different stages of
cultivation.By the use of modern equipments better results can be achieved in the shortest time.
8.Co-operative Farming
Co-operative farming refers to the farming done on the basis of mutual help and co-operation.Under
this method the small holdings are consqildated .In this way the owners of small holdings can also use
fertilizers and modern equipments jointly.After harvesting,the yield can be distributed among the
owners according to their ownership.
9.Education Level
Increase of literacy ratio in rural areas especially in agre-education is the need of the day.The more
educated the farmers will be the better will be the results achieved.
10.Marketing Facilities
Marketing procedures should be simplified and various marketing facilities should be provided to the
cultivators.
11.Improvement In The Means Of transportation And Communication
The rural areas of the country must be provided with road and railway links with marketing centres and
better means of transport and communication should be provided.

Climatic Regions of Pakistan

Climate The atmospheric conditions at any conditions at any place are known as weather.Climate is a
generalization of the day to day weather conditions during the course of a year.It means average
weather,including its variation from season to season. Temperature ,pressure,wind rainfall etc.are the
composite parts or elements of climate.The climate of a particular place is controlled by several
geographical ractors like:
(a) Distance from the equator
(b) Distance from the Sea
(c) Altitude or height above sea level etc.
Climate of Pakistan
The whole of Pakistan lies in the warm temperate zone.It lies roughly between 24 degree N and
37degree N latitude.Pakistan is noted for hot summer and cold winters with semi-arid to arid conditions
prevailing in most parts,sub-humid conditions in a small area in the north.The topographic diversity and
location of large areas a long distance from the sea have all the more intensified the climate
contrasts.The rainfall is generally low .The monsoons bring such marked characteristics that a seasons in
Pakistan.
1.Winter season (from November to February)
2.Summer season (from March to June)
3.Monsoon or Rainy season (from July to October)
Climatic Regions Of Pakistan
Keeping in view the various climatic factors,Pakistan can be divided into the following climatic regions:

1.Sub-Tropical Continental Highland Type

This region includes the mountains in the North and West of the Indus plain.In this region winters are
cold and lengthy and often the temperatures goes below the freezing point; and the higher peaks
remain snow -covered throughout the year.But here summer remains short cool and temperature .The
North Western mountain areas have less amount of rainfall as compared to North Eastern
mountains,e.g.from South of Kohat and Waziristan rainfall decreases,so Quetta division in Baluchistan
has a dry climate and there the mean annual rainfall is not more than 50 to 100 millimeters.It mostly
comes during winter and spring .The North Western mountainous areas are less fertile and have barren
rocks without any natural vegetation.Due to some rain in winter and spring,some grass and shrubs
appear,which promotes the rearing of sheep and goats.
2.Sub-Tropical Continental Plateau Type
This region includes the north western part of Baluchistan Province.Here winters are cold ,and in
summer temperature goes higher enough and often dust storms prevail .Although it has higher altitude
,but due to poor rainfall,these have turned into arid desert.In these areas there is scarcity of rain water
and it is less than 10 inches or 25 cm.annually ,but some of the places of these areas have the lowest
rainfall e.g.Nokundi has only 1.95 inches or 5 cm.of rainfall annually,and rain often comes during the
months of January and February.
3.Sub-Tropical Continental Low Lands Type
This region includes the interior areas of Punjab and Sindh provinces.It has generally arid and extreme
climate.Here summer remains long and hot,but winters are cool and short.It has the hotest places of the
country such as Jaccobabad and Sibbi.
The rainy season begins in the middle of the summer months.The places which are situated near
pledmont areas have enough rainfall e.g. Sialkot has about 30 inches or 88.3 cm. of annual rainfall.But
the western part of this plain is drier than the eastern due to very poor rainfall e.g. Thal and Cholistan
desert in Punjab and Nara and Tharparker desert in Sindh.
4.Sub-Tropical Coastal Areas Type
This region includes the coastal strip around Karachi and Makran coast in Baluchistan.Here due to the
influence of the sea,the temperature remains moderate ;the rainfall is about 7 inches or 18
cm.annually,but due to proximity of the sea ,a large amount of humidity remains in the atmosphere.The
influence of sea breeze during day time is felt throughout the summer.
Irrigation

Need And Importance Of Irrigation 1.Most of the plain areas of Pakistan have been built by alluvial soil
brought by the River Indus and its tributaries.But due to deficient rainfall ,agricultural activities cannot
be performed without adopting some artificial means of irrigation.So the areas lying between the rivers
have provided irrigation facilities through canals and various types of crops are grown in these areas.
2.The Rivers of our country used to take millions of gallons of water into the Arabian Sea.That water is
being used for canal irrigation and a number of dry desert areas have become fertile and productive
regions of our country.
3.The supply of water in our rivers remains irregular during the year.To regulate the water supply
throughout the year the year the water is stored by constructing barrages,dams and weirs etc.
4.The slope of our country lies from north east towards south.This helps in the construction of canals
and water can easily be distributed through canals from higher regions to lower areas.
5.All the rivers of our country come from snow-covered mountainous areas,having abundance of rainfall
in summer ,in those rivers a huge amount of water comes due to heavy rainfall and the melting of snow
during summer.Thus we store this surplus water in huge dams which is used for irrigation purposes in
dry season.
6.The upper and lower areas of Indus plain have soft soil,where digging of canals is easier,and cheap
labour is available in abundance.That reduces the cost of construction.That is why canal irrigation is
preferred in our country.
7.Canal water adds to the fertility of the soil by bringing a number of organic and in-organic matters with
it,while the water of tube -wells lacks all these matters,so people prefer canal irrigation.
8.Canal irrigation is the cheapest and easiest means by which vast areas can be commanded and made
productive.
Means Of Irrigation In Pakistan
The following means of irrigation are practiced in various areas of our country:
1.Wells or Tube-wells
This is one of the oldest methods of irrigation which is being used from ancient times in our
country.Well irrigation is quite common in pledmont areas of North Eastern mountains and in the
vicinity of rivers where the water-table is high.They are found all over the plain where canal water is not
available and water table is high enough for their construction.Many shallow wells are dug by hand the
areas where the water table is not far below the surface of the earth .The water is then lifted by
“Charas” or “Persian wheels” driven by oxen or camels.
In areas where the water table is low and cheap electric power is available ,tube wells are used;due to
shortage of canal irrigation water ,government is encouraging the farmers to dig more and more tube
wells.

2.Canals
Irrigation from rivers is an ancient practice.It was being carried before the birth of christ in various areas
of our country,but the modern system of large perennial canals was introduced by the Britishers.The
first modern canal in Punjab was opened in 1859;it was taken out from river Ravi at madhopur
(Gurdaspur district,India).After that a number of canals have been taken out from various rivers and our
country has got one of the most excellent systems of irrigation in the world.The canals found in our
country may be divided into the following types:
(a)Perennial Canals
Those canals which supply water to their commanded areas throughout the year are known as perennial
canals.To regulate the supply dams and barrages have been built.Most of the canals of our country are
of this type.
(b)Non Perennial Canals
Such canals runs only during the summer and the rainy season .They are closed down during winter
months when there is not enough water in the rivers.Some of the canals from Sutlej ,the Sidhnal canals
from Ravi and Haveli canals from Chenab are of this type.Only one crop can be harvested in the
commanded areas of such types of canals.
(c) Inundation or Flood Canals
These canals work only during the rainy season,when the rivers have a plenty of water .Because no dam
or barrage is built at their head ,their construction cost being low,they also help in reducing the flood
water and save the area from many dangers.Many old canals from the Indus and Chenab are of this
type.
(d)Karez
In Baluchistan short underground canals called Karez have been built to carry the water which soaks into
the ground at the foot of the mountains to the fields and villages .As the canals are underground no
water is wasted by evaporation.In Queta and Pashin districts this system is very popular and a large area
of this region is irrigated by the Karez system.
Canal Systems
The irrigated area is served by more than 40 major canal commands.Main canals start from a barrage or
dam or weir on a river.A barrage feeds one or more main or link canals.A number of minor tributaries
feed out of the main canal and these in turn,serve a number of outlets to the farmers water-courses
each of which irrigates between 60 and 240 hectares.
There are three major groups of canal system :
(i) Canals on upper Indus Tributaries
(ii) Systems on the Indus
(iii) Systems west of the Indus.
(i) Systems On Upper-Indus Tributaries
The principal canal systems are:from the Jhelum,(a) Upper Jhelum canal,which starts from Mangla,joins
the Chenab at Khanki to give its surplus water to the lower Chenab canal,and (b) the Lower Jhelum canal
which starts from Rasul:from the Chenab (a) the upper Chenab canal starting from marala and joining
the Ravi near Ballokin to supplement the water supply of the Lower Bari Doab canal,(b) the lower
Chenab canal from Khanki,and (c) the Haveli system of canals from the Trimu weir below the junction of
the Chenab and the Jhelum;from the Ravi,(a) the upper Bari Doab canal,which begins in Madhopur
(India),irrigating mainly the Indian Punjab,with only its Lahore branch reaching Pakistan,(b)the Lower
Bari Doab canal from Balakot and (c) the Sidhanaj Canals from the left bank of the Ravi at Sidhnal ;from
the Sutlej,the Sutlej valley project,in which canals depart from the river Gandas in
Ghwala,Sulaimanke,Islam and below the juction of the Sutlej with the Chenab at Panjnad.
The upper Jhelum,the upper Chenab,and the lower Bari Doab canals together form The Triple Project
,which was designed to carry surplus water from the Jhelum to the Chenab ,and from the Chenab to the
Ravi.
(ii) Systems On The Indus
The largest dam on the Indus has been built at Tarbela.Other barrages,in descending order along the
river,are Jinnah barrage near Kalabagh,part of the Thal project;Taunsa Barrage 290 km.further
downstream,which has 100,000 kw power station in addition to diversion works;Guddu Barrage,150
km.upstream from Sukkar;Sukkur or Liodyd Barrage,the oldest barrage on the river,and Ghulam
Mohammad Barrage,near Kotri.
(iii) Systems West of The Indus
These include (a) the Swat Canals departing from the river at Malakand (upper Swat canal) and Abazal
(Lower Swat Canal); (b) the warsak Multipupose Project on the Kabul River 30 kms.north west of
Peshawar which includes a 160,000 KW power plant;and (c) the kurram Garhi Project on the kurram and
barren rivers in Bannu tehsil.
In addition to these major projects.Some smaller dams have also been built by the Water and power
Development Authority (WAPDA).These include reil Dam,Gomal Dam Multi-Purpose Project Khanpur
Dam,and Hab Dam.The Agricultural Development Corporation has set up the small Dam Organization to
construct dams of localized utility storing the flood water of hill stream.A number of such dams have
been constructed in the dry sub-mountain areas of the north west.
Mangla And Tarbella Dam
The Mangla Dam
Under the Indus Basin Treaty,this is the second largest multi-purpose project designed to control and
conserve the flood water of the Jhelum for use mainly as replacement irrigation supplies for the area
which was served by the three eastern rivers.On the Jhelum river near the village of the Mangla,about
two miles upstream from the regulator of the upper Jhelum Canal and about 20 miles from Jhelum
town,a dam of the embankment type has been built.The dam has crest length of about 11,000 feet and
its height is 380 feet.The reservoir created by the dam is about 40 miles long,having a storage capacity
of 5.5 million acre feet.It is the second largest earth filled dam of our country.The project is providing
400,000 kilowatts of electricity and 88 lakh acre feet water for irrigation purposes.The design of the dam
has a provision for future extension.Its height can also be increased about 99 feet and storage capacity
can also be increased upto 9.6 million acre feet and electricity generated can also be increased from the
present 400,000 k.w. to one million k.w. The Mangla lake has been developed as a fishing centre and a
health and tourist resort.This project was completed in 1967.
The Tarbela Dam
This is one of the largest earth and rock filled dam in the world.This dam has been built on the river
Indus at Tarbela,15 miles from maripur and 30 miles from Attock.This is also a multipurpose project .The
dam has a gross storage capacity of 11.1 million acre feet.It is 9,000 feet long and 485 feet high.A 50
mile long lake has been built behind it.It will provide 21 lakh kilowatts of electricity and 93 lakh acre feet
of water for irrigation when completed .It construction started in 1968 under the Indus Basin Treaty,and
the dam was completed in 1974.The installation of 10 units of electricity has been completed in
1985.There is proposal of or the tarbela project that 2 large off-channel reservoirs will have to be built
to increase storage and lengthen the life of the generating facilities,since silting is expected to reduce
the life of main dam.Water from Tarbela will be used in the Haro and Soan Basins and for replacement
the supplies will be diverted to the Chashma Jhelum link canal and thence to the Trimmu-Sidhnaj-Mailsi-
Bahawal link system.This project will help other barrages to retain the supply of water.
Barrages
According to Indus Basin Treaty five barrages have been built and various link canals have been taken
out from these barages.
1.Chashma Barrage
A barrage has been built on River Indus at Chashma .A link Canal has been taken out from the right bank
of Chashma providing water to canals of jhelum and Chenab.The work of Chashma wast Bank is under
progress.It is hoped that after completion,this canal will irrigate large area of barren land in Dera ismail
Khan and dera Ghazi Khan districts.
The other Barrages from where the following link canals have been taken out are:
1. Rasul at Jhelum
2. Near Qadirabad on Chenab
3. Near Sighnaj on Ravi
4. Near Mailsi below the existing Islam headworks on the Sutlej.
All these Barrages have a total length of nearly 3 1/2 miles.These barrages are providing about 100,000
cusecs of water to their link canals.
Link Canals
1.The Rasul-Qadirabad
A 30 miles long canal has been built linking Rasul with Qadirabad and 19,000 cusecs water has been
brought from Jhelum to Chenab.
2.Qadirabad-Balloki
Qadirabad-Baloki link canal is supplying 18,600 cusec combine water of Jhelum and Chenab to Ravi at
baloki.It is about miles long.
3.The Balloki Sulemanki Link
This link canal is providing 6,500 cusec water of Ravi to the Sutlej canals ,e.g.Pakpattan and Depalpur
canals.
4.The Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal
This link canal is 63 miles long and it is supplying 21,700 cusecs water of Indus from Chashma to Jhelum
so that the supply of water at Trimmu head works can be maintained.
5.Trmmu-Sidhnal Link Canal
Trmmu-Sidhnal link canal is providing 11,000 cusec combined water of Indus ,Jhelum and chenab at
Sidhnal on Ravi
6.The Sidhnal-Mailsi-Bahawal Link
It is a sixty miles long canal,which is carrying the Indus,Jhelum and Chenab waters to the Islam headwrks
canals from the Sutlej.
7.The Taunsa-Punjnad Link Canal
This link canal is 38 miles long .It is carrying the Indus water for use at the Panjnad headworks.The link
canals have a total length of 388 miles with a total capacity of about 100,000 cusec,but the present
supply of water from the canal is insufficient for our requirements and a large amount of water is
obtained from tube wells and other means.

Agricultural Crops of Pakistan

Introduction Agricultural activities in plain areas of Pakistan are performed in two seasons.Those crops
which are cultivated before the beginning of winter season and harvested in early summer are known as
“Rabi Crops”.They include wheat ,barley ,grams,oil seeds,pulses e.t.c.But those crops which are grown in
the beginning in summer and their picking or harvesting takes place in early winter are called “Kharif
Crops”.These may include Rice,Sugarcane,Millets,Maize etc.The following are the main crops cultivated
in Pakistan:
Sugar Cane (Cash Crop)
Introduction
Sugar cane is an important cash crop of Pakistan.All available evidences indicate that Sugar Cane
originated in Indo-Pak sub-continent.The description of sugar cane is found in the Indian mythological
literature of 1000 B.C.
It is a type of long grass “perennial” in nature.The first crop is called “plant cane” and the succeeding
crops are called “Ratoon Crops”.Although it is a plant of tropical regions but it can also be cultivated in
sub-tropical areas.
Uses of Sugar Cane
Sugar cane is used for sweetening purposes.It is the most important and cheapest source of refined
sugar.Gur,Alcohol and Desi Shakkar are also prepared from Sugar cane.The left out stalk fibers (bagasse)
are used in the paper industries are as fuel and cattle food.
Favourable Conditions For Its Growth
1. Temperature
Sugarcane is a crop of wet tropical lands .From eight to twenty four months elapse between 65 degree F
to 85degree F. Little or no growth takes place at a temperature below 60 degree F.Frost is very
dangerous to young cane and sever frost during the period of ripening causes inversion of the
sucrose.The sugarcane needs a minimum of 250 frost free days.
2. Water
Heavy precipitation is beneficial during the early and intermediate stage of crop growth,but a dry season
is desirable before harvest.It grows well in areas having rainfall of more than 40 degree annually.It is
very sensitive to dought conditions.Stagnant water is very damaging.In our country Sugarcane is
cultivated in canal irrigated areas since the rainfall is below 20″ which is not sufficient.
3.Soils
Sugarcane can be grown on a variety of soils ranging from sandy loams the heavy clays but sill loams and
clay loams are most suitable.It is grown primarily on both alluvial and red soils.The soil should contain
some elements of lime,potash and nitrogen.
4.Land
The best land for sugarcane is flat or undulating and fertile with topsoil that retains moisture and sub
soils that permit drainage.Therefore the main Sugarcane area in Pakistan is located in the canal colonies
of the fertile Indus valley.
Sugarcane Cultivation
In Pakistan,Sugarcane is cultivated in the spring season in the month of February or March.It is
harvested in November or December .Sugarcane is included in both Rabi and Kharif Crops.It is a
“perennial ” crop.The first crop is called “plant cane” and the succeeding crops are called “ratoon crops”
.Generally good yields from ratoon crops are obtained only in one or two years.
Sugarcane Growing Areas
In Pakistan,a sub tropical continental climate milltates against the growing of thick canals.All the areas
of our country are not suited to the growth of Sugarcane.It is mostly cultivated in canal irrigated areas of
Punjab,N.W.F.P and Sindh provinces.
1. Punjab
Faisalabad,Sargodha,Multan,Bahawalpur,Lahore and Gujranwala division are famouse for Sugar cane
production.
2. Sindh
Hyderabad division ranks first and Sukkur division second in the production of Sugar cane .
3. N.W.F.P
Mardan and Peshawar districts are at the top and some amount of Sugar cane is also produced in the
districts of Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
Average And Production
The following table shows areas,production and yield per hectare of sugarcane during the last three
years:
Period Area …………… Production ……….. Yield Per Hectare
(000 Hectares)…………….(000 Tones)………..(Tones)
1989-90 854 ………………35494……………..41.56
1990-91 884……………….35889……………..40.71
1991-92 877……………….34210……………..39.00
(provisional)
Cotton (Cash Crop)
Introduction
Cotton is considered to be the most important cash crop of Pakistan.Pakistan,ranks fifth in world cotton
production.It is outstanding among vegetable,animal and synthetic fibers,accounting for approximately
one half of the all materials that are made into cloth.Besides the preparation of a number of its products
,we also earn a large amount of foreign exchange from its export to other countries .Its importance may
be estimated from the fact that it contributes 15% to the G.N.P The entire textile industry directly or
indirectly depends upon it.It provides employment to 2/3rd of industrial labour force.
Biological And Historical Reference
Cotton is also known as the “Silver Fiber” .It is a wooly fibre surrounded around the seeds of the plant
the longing to genus “Gossypium”.It is known to have been produced in the Indus plain since 3000 B.C.
Favourable Conditions For Its Growth
1. Temperature
Humid tropical and sub-tropical savanna climates are both conductive to cotton growth .At the time of
cultivation it requires temperature ranging between 80 degree F to 100 degree F but at the time of
picking 50 degree F to 60 degree F temperature remains sufficient.Frost or severe cold is dangerous for
its growth.As produced commercially,cotton requires a growing season of atleast 180 to 200 frost-free
days.
2. Water
A minimum precipitation amount of 20″ and a maximum of 40″ per year is considered to be the
optimum requirement for cotton cultivation.The annual rainfall in Pakistan is less than 20″ which is
insufficient ,so without artificial irrigation,cotton cultivation is not possible.It is for this reason that canal
and tube well irrigated areas of Sindh and Punjab are devoted to cotton cultivation.The moisture should
be comparatively even throughout much of the year but retarted during the harvesting period.
3. Soil
Cotton grows best on soils which retain moisture at their upper levels and are well drained at lower
depths.Its favours alluvial soil but can do quite well on tighter soils if sufficient moisture is present to
prevent excessive compaction around the plant roots.The use of natural or artificial manure is essential
to maintain the fertility of soil.
4. Land
Sea breeze is very helpful for the production of quality cotton.For this reason low lands near the sea
(Sindh areas ) are considered to be ideal situations for its cultivation.
Cotton Cultivation
Cotton is a Kharif crop in Pakistan and is cultivated in the summer season.Sowing is mainly broadcast
and begins in April in Sindh and in May or June in Punjab.In Sindh,picking starts from August.Whereas in
Punjab it begins in September or October.Cotton mostly grows in rows and the minimum distance
between row to row is kept about 11/2 feet .Similarly the minimum distance between plant to plant
remain about 6″.
Cotton Growing Areas
In Pakistan cotton is grown in canal irrigated areas of Punjab and Sindh and also in some parts of
Baluchistan and N.W.F.P.
1. Punjab
The province of Punjab has a network of canals leading out from the mighty river Indus and draining the
are. (0 % of the crop depends Bahawalpur,Dera Ghazi Khan,Faisalabad,Sargodha,Lahore and Gujranwala
constitute the cotton belt .In these areas the well-known variety of medium staple cotton is grown.A
small quantity of Desi quality cotton is allowed to be grown for domestic use.Punjab produces a surplus
quantity of cotton and after meeting the local requirements the rest of it is exported.
2. Sindh
The province of Sindh also produces a considerable amount of cotton.The canal irrigated areas of
Sindh,constituting Hyderabad and Sukkur division are the main cotton centres.Here both the American
medium staple and Desi qualities of cotton are grown.Sindh also produces surplus quantity of cotton
which is more than the local requirements.
Average And Production
The following table shows area,production and yield per hectare of cotton during the last three years:
Period ………….. Area …………… Production ……………….. Yield Per Hectare
……………….(000 Hectares)……..(000 Tonnes)…………………(kg)
1989-90………….2599………………8560………………………..561
1990-91………….2662………………9628………………………..616
1991-92………….2896………………12500……………………….734
(provisional)
Exports:(min.Rs.)
1989-90 – 9550
1990-91 – 9553
1991-92 – 5916
(July to March)
Rice (Food Crop)
Importance of Rice in Pakistan
Rice holds an important position among the cash crops of Pakistan.It fulfills the food requirements of
our country but we also earn a lot of foreign exchange from its export.Besides it is an important raw
material for manufacturing starch,paper ,sandals,hats,mattresses etc.grain as well as its husk is also
used as fodder for cattle.
Biological and Historical References
Rice belongs to the genus “Oxygen”,two species of which are cultavated,”Oryza Glaberrima” and “Oryza
Sativa”.The former is found only in tropical west African while the latter is found all over the rice
growing areas..The exact origin of rice is not known but most of the research workers give this credit to
South East Asi.After 1468 it was introduced in Italy from where it spread to european and many other
contries of the world.
Favourable Coditions For Its growth
1. Temperature
Rice is a tropical plant.it requires high temperature during the growing season of 4 to 6 months.The
temperature should be more than 80 degree F and in no way less than 70 degree F even for the quick
maturing varieties.In Pakistan rice is cutivated only one a year i.e.early summer.Its cultivation is not
possible in areas of severe cold or where the temperature goes below freezing point.
2. Water
Rice is known as a plant of water.Its cultivation requires large amount of moisture.The annual rainfall
should not be in any way leas than 40 “.The root of the rice plant should remain submerged in water for
a long time.For 75 days the rice fields should have 6 ” of slow moving water.When the rice crops mature
,less water is required and during ripening season,the field should be almost dry so that it can be
harvested easily.
The rice growing areas of Pakistan have an average annual rainfall of less than 20 ” .So the deficiency of
rainfall has been met by the artificial arrangements of irrigation water through canals and tube wells etc.
3. Soil
With the exemption of sandy soils which are very permeable ,rice can be grown successfully on soils
ranging from silt loam to clays .Alluvial soil is the most suitable soil for the rich growth of rice.Heavy
clayey sub soil with water retaining capacity gives best results.
4. Land
The flooding of rice fields requires level land and therefore river valleys,deltas and coasted plains are
suitable areas,otherwise terracing is required.
System of Cultivation
There are two methods of rice cultivation:
1.Broad Cast Sowing
This involves direct plantation of rice plants in the fields.
2.Transplantation
In this case sowing is first done in nursery beds.When the plants attain a height of 4 ” to 6 “,they are
transplanted into big fields.This method is also called the Japanese method.It is the most scientific and
beneficial method.By its practice, the per acre production increases considerably.
Rice is mostly cultivated in rows and the distance from row to row is kept about 6 ” and from plant to
plant remains 3 “.
Rice Growing Areas
Cultivation of rice is mainly confined to the low lying parts of the Punjab plain and the flooded rivers and
canal areas of Sindh.To a small extent it is also grown in the submountain districts in the North and the
canal irrigated areas.Rice cultivation in N.W.F.P .Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir areas is not more than 1
% to 2 % of their total areas.
1. Punjab
In Punjab,the division of Lahore and Gujranwala rank at the top.Best equalities like
Basmati,Parmal,Sukhdari,Irri-six etc. are grown in this part of Punjab.Besides somu rice is also cultivated
in Shakhupura,Sargodha,Faisalabad,Multan and Bahawalpur divisions.
2. Sindh
In the province of Sindh,the districts of Sukkur division are most famouse for good quality rice
cultivation .Larkana district ranks at cultivated in Khairpur,Nawabshah and Hyderabad districts.The main
qualities of rice which are common in the province of Sindh are Kangni,Beghi,Irri-8 etc.
Average And Production
The following table shows areas,production and yield per hectare of rice during the last three years:
Period ………… Area ……….. Production ……………. Yield Per Hectare
…………….(000 Hec)……..(000 Ton)……………….(kg)
1989-90……….2107………….3220………………….1528
1990-91……….2113………….3261………………….1543
1991-92……….2007………….3198………………….1593
(Provisional)
Exports
1989-90 – Rs. 5144 million
1990-91 – Rs. 7846 million
1991-92 – Rs. 7083 million
(July-March)
WHEAT (Food Crop)
Introduction
Wheat is the most popular food crop of Pakistan.Wheat being the staple diet of most of the people of
Pakistan it dominates all crops in acreage and production .We use wheat and its products in a number of
ways.It accounts for over 70 % of the gross cereals and over 36 % of the country’s acreage is devoted to
wheat cultivation.
Wheat is being cultivated in our country from ancient times.According to some experts wheat was first
cultivated in the Indus Valley.Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of wheat in Asia and stands 11th in
world production.
Favourable Conditions For Its Growth
1. Temperature
Wheat is essentially a temperate crop requiring moderate heat and moisture.In Pakistan it is a rain
(winter) crop.It is cultivated in the month of October and November.The temperature then is between
50 degree and 60 degree F which is most suitable for wheat growth while it is harvested at the end of
April or early in May when the temperature is between 80 degree F and 100 degree F.This high
temperature helps in the ripening of the crop.
2. Water
For wheat cultivation,rain must come during the period of growth and sunny conditions should prevail
at the time of ripening.Minimum rainfall required during the growing season is 20 “.Rainfall is no way
should exceed 40 “.In Pakistan the average annual rainfall is less than 20 ” which is insufficient.Thus
wheat is mostly grown by means of irrigation.Due to lack of irrigational facilities Baluchistan and Potwar
plateau depend exclusively on rainfall.However the yield per acre of the rain fed fields is about half that
of irrigated fields.
3. Soil
Wheat is known to grow on a varioty of soils but it does best in the well-drained clayey loams having
plenty of humus. Hence the dark coloured chernozems of the temperate grasslands like that of Pakistan
are the most suitable soils.
Kinds of Wheat
There are two main types of wheat:
1.Vulgare or Sharbati
It is widely cultivated and is prized for common bread.
2.Durum
It has local importance and is mostly used for making of Suji (Semolina) and Sewian (Vermicelli).
Wheat Producing Centres of Pakistan
Wheat is cultivated in all the four provinces of Pakistan. Punjab and Sindh provinces however rank at the
top. The plain areas of Punjab and Sindh provinces have alluvial soil brought by River Indus and its
tributaries. These rivers further increase the fertility of the soil by adding a number of organic and in-
organic matters brought by them from various areas of our country. The plain areas of Punjab and Sindh
provinces have insufficient rainfall. This deficiency has been made up by providing canals and other
irrigational facilities. The temperate climate aids wheat production in Sindh and Punjab.
1. Punjab
The province of Punjab ranks at the top in the production of wheat. The upper indus plain accounts for
70 % of the total wheat of our country. Canal fed fields produce 2/3 and the rest comes from the rain
fed fields. The main wheat growing divisions are :
Sargodha,Faisalabad,Multan,Dera Ghazi Khan,Bahawalpur,Lahore,Sahiwal,Shaikhupura and Sialkot.
2. Sindh
The province of Sindh ranks second in wheat production. Kabul, Kurram and Gomal rivers have a
substantial share in wheat acreage. Most of the lands devoted to wheat cultivation in the lower Indus
Plains are located in the irrigated districts of Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Tharparkar and Khairpur.
3. N.W.F.P
The North west Frontier province does not contribute much towards wheat production. In the canal
irrigated areas of N.W.F.P Mardan, Peshawar and Bannu are famous for wheat cultivation.
4. Baluchistan
Some wheat is also grown in the plateau areas and the valleys of the hilly regions of Baluchistan. On the
Potwar Plateau there are large areas under wheat which depend entirely on rainfall.
Average And Production
The following table shows area,production and yield per hectare of wheat during the last three years:
Period ………………… Area ……………… Production ………………. Yield per Hectare
…………………….(000 Hec)……………..(000 Ton)…………………….(kg)
1989-90…………………7845…………………14316……………………….1825
1990-91…………………7911…………………14565……………………….1841
1991-92…………………7795…………………14657……………………….1880
(provisional)
Imports
Period ………………. Quantity ………………. Unit Value
……………………….(000 ml?)……………….Rs/ml?)
1989-90………………….2047……………………4197
1990-91………………….972…………………….3208
1991-92………………….1000……………………4057
(July-March)(ml metric tonnes)

Forest Resources and Their Exploitation

Forest Introduction
At the time of the establishment of Pakistan about 50 lakh acres area was covered with natural or
artificial forests. It was about 2.6 % of the total area, which was insufficient for the country’s needs,
because according to experts the area under the forests in a country should not be less than 20 to 25 %
for a well balanced economy. In Pakistan only 4.5 % of the total area is under forests.
The Government has taken various steps to increase the areas under forests. Large areas have been
reserved for afforrestation in Thal,Ghulam Mohammad Barrage and Gudu Barrage and it is likely to
improve the future acreage of forrests to some extent. Besides this the forests department celebrates
weeks for tree plantation in the months of spring and rainy seasons. During these works people are
encouraged to plant more and more trees.
Kinds of Forests in Pakistan
1.Evergreen Coniferous Forests
Areas
These forests are found in the Northern and Western hills such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, Abbotabad,
Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra district of N.W.F.P and Rawalpindi district of Punjab are the main areas
covered with coniferous forests.
Characteristics
These forests remain evergreen throughout the year i.e.they do not shed their leaves at a time. The
leaves of the trees are mostly of conical shape. In these areas these forests are found upto about 3000
ft. In Baluchistan,these forests are found at the height of 5000 ft.
Important Trees
Deodar, Kall, Spruce, Chir, Fir are important trees of these forests. In Baluchistan, two more important,
pencil juniper and chilgoza are also found.
Economic Importance
The trees grown in these forests are of immense help to many industries. Deodar is the main source of
limer and is used for building houses and railway sleepers. Fir is used to the making of hardboard. Chir is
used in the match, rayon, and resin industry.
2.Baluchistan Hill Forests
Areas
These forests are found in area of Quetta and Kalat divisions.
Characteristics
Due to poor rainfall, these forests are not dense. They are found in altitudes of 5000 to 10000 feet.
Important Trees
The main trees of these areas include chilgoza, pines, pencil, junipers and chestnuts.
3.deciduous Forests
Areas
These forests are found in the districts of Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat
and in some patches of the Baluchistan plateau.
Characteristics
These forests cover land rising upto an altitude of 3000 feet. The trees of these forests shed their leaves
at a time when the amount of rainfall and temperature is insufficient in a particular season.
Important Trees
The dominant trees of these forests are Phulai, Kao, Chestnut, Juniper, Walnut, Oak, Maple and Poplar.
Olea and Chir occur occasionally at high elevations.
Economic Importance
These forests are an important source of timber for the manufacture of furniture, rifle butts, sports
goods etc.
4.Riverian Or Bela Forests
Areas
Narrow belts along the banks of River Indus and its large tributaries are occupied by the riverion forests
commonly known as Bela Forests.
Characteristics
These forests are found near the banks of rivers where underground water is available in the flooded
areas. They cover the active flood plains which are inundated almost annually. They are usually not very
dense.
Important Trees
Babul, Shisham and Willow are the main varieties found in these forests.
Economic Importance
The Shisham wood is mostly used for making high quality furniture. The wood of Babul provides
firewood and is used for making agricultural implements.The Bark of Babul is used for tanning purposes.
5.Artificial Forests
Areas
In some areas of Punjab and Sindh, a few irrigated plantation units have been established. Changa
Manga forest situated about 40 miles from Lahore is the largest of the irrigation forest plantation.
Besides this Chichawatni in Sahiwal, Multan, Thal and in some parts of Ghulam Mohammad and Guddu
barrages, artificial forests are being maitained.
Important Trees
In these forests, harwood species such as Shisham, Mulberry and Acasia trees are grown for commercial
purposes.
6.Tidal Or Mangrove Forests
Areas
These forests are mostly found in the Indus delta. Hub delta is also covered with these forests which
extend to Runn of Kuch covering an area of about 750,000 acres.
Characteristics
The trees of these forests grow in a wampy areas. Lack of fresh water results in shunned growt of trees
and in the occurance of limited number of species. The normal height of trees is 10 feet while in better
watered areas the trees rise to 20-25 feet.
Important Trees
Some valuable species are being experimented upon in these areas. Avicennta Officanilis,Ceriopa and
Rhizo phoras are some of them.
Economic Importance
A vital advantage of these forests in that they supply a large amount of firewood. The trees have mostly
soft wood which is also used as fodder for animals.
7.The Rakhs
Areas
These forests are found in the Indus valley scaltered far away from human settlements.
Characteristics
These are mostly shrub forests and the trees are not very tall.
Important Trees
The main species which are generally found in these forests are Jand, Neem, Karil, Farash and Bakain.
Economic Importance
The wood of those trees is mostly used for fuel purposes or in the making of cheap furniture.
Importance and Uses of Forests
According to an agricultural export “A country can live without gold and silver,but not without
forests,”The following is the importance of forests for us:
1. As there is a shortage pf power resources,the coal and oil found in our country is insufficient to meet
our requirements. So a large population of our country living in rural areas uses wood as fuel and for
other domestic purposes.
2. Besides timber, wood is being used as fuel. The wood for making furniture and building material is
also obtained from forests.
3. Forests supply the raw material and wood for various industries of our country, such as matches,
paper, sports goods, resins, rayon, etc.
4. Forests keep the climate of the adjacent areas pleasant by getting the moisture through its roots from
interior of the earth and spreading it through their branches and leaves.
5. The forests areas of our country serve as pasture, but for the cattle of farmers living near them,
camels, sheep and goats get their food from them.
6. In mountainous areas forests help to preserve our agricultural land from the dangers of erosion. In
plain areas forest or trees save the banks of canals and rivers from erosion.
7. The most important thing is that the forests provide oxygen gas for us and consume filthy carbon
dioxide.
8. A large number of fruits that we use are provided from trees or forests.
9. In forests a large number of animals take refuge, so forests provide hunting facilities for hunters and
they get meat and skins from them.
10. Forests help the farmers in saving their crops from strong dual storms.

Minerals

Introduction It has been rightly said that world commerce of today would be impossible without
minerals. Mining, being a basic industry provides a firm base from the growth in various sectors of the
economy. Minerals are the backbone of modern industry. The heavy machines and transporting vehicles
are all built and run by minerals.
Pakistan is rich in minerals resources,but these immense potentials remained unexploited over the
years. Now the Government is adopting new policy measures to give a boost to this sector. In order to
encourage mineral exploration in the country, a mineral co-ordination board (MCB) was established in
1979 to co-ordinate public sector agencies and the private sector.
Pakistan has considerable deposits of non metallic minerals, including rock-salt, gypsum, china clay,
limestone and marble. Metallic minerals found in some quantity are chromite antimony, copper and
iron etc.
1. Iron Ore
Usage
Iron tops the list of capital goods and plays a vital role in the economic development of a country. The
entire economic activities of a country revolve around this basic material. Today, iron touches man’s life
from the cradle to grave. Indeed man today is almost entirely dependant on iron for his civilized
existence.
Occurrence
Iron ore deposits occur at many localities. The more important are discussed below:
KalaBagh Iron Ore
Occurs near Kalabagh in the Surghar Range and near Sakesar in the Salt Range. They are the largest
deposits in Pakistan but the ore is of low grade (30.35 percent iron) and of irregular
composition.Reseves are estimated at about 300 million tonnes.
Dommel Misar
Magnitite deposits in Southern Chitral,about 30 kilometers south of Drosh ,have an iron content of
55.65 percent. Reserves are estimated at 3 million tonnes.
Langrial, Galdanian And Abbotabad Ore
Langrial iron deposits are in the vicinity of Langrial village in haripur tehsil, about 30 kilometers south of
Abbotabad. The iron content varies widely between 0 and 50 percent. The Galdanian deposits, about 15
kilometers north-east of abotabad have an average iron content of 20 percent. Iron content yardes from
14.46 percent. Total reserves in Hazara Distric are estimated to be mere than 100 million tonnes.
Chighazi Magnitite Deposits
Of various magnitudes have been discovered in Chigai District,near Dalbandin. Reserves of high grade
ore (56 percent iron or more ) are estimated over 3 million tonnes and of low ore (25.38 percent iron) at
20 million tonnes.
2. Chromite
Usage
Chromium is used in the making of stainless steel, high speed tools and precision instruments, dyes and
in photography.
Occurrence
Pakistan leads the world in chromite production. Large deposits of chromite occur in the Muslimbagh
area of the Zaob valley. Those are the best known of the chromite deposits in Pakistan and have been
extensively exploited. Khanozai and Jang Torgarh are important mines . Other deposits are in Chagai and
Kharan, where the total deposits amount to 10.000 tonnes.
In addition to the above Peshawar division deposits amount to 14,000 tonnes.
3. Copper
Usage
Copper ranks next to iron in importance because of its many industrial uses. It was used for making
coins and domestic utensils in the past. Now a days it is used in the manufacture of electric goods,
telephone wires, refrigerators etc.
Occurrence
The deposits of copper have been found at Sandak and Amuri in Chaghai districts of Baluchistan. Sandak
deposits are estimated to be 412 million tonnes. At present copper is not being extracted commercially
in our country but it is hoped that in near future we shall be able to produce copper in sufficient
quantity with foreign collaboration.
4. Rock Salt and Brine
All the rock salt deposits in Pakistan occur in the salt range. The most important mines are:
(a) Khewra Mines
Khewra is the most extensively worked area with seams attaining thickness of as much as 18 metres.
Present production is 220,000 tonnes a year.
(b) Karcha Mines
The mine has five seams, with a maximum thickness of 15 metres and produces 40.000-45,000 tonnes a
year.
(c) Kalabagh Mine
The seams are irregular and contorted and production is about 12,000-16,000 tonnes a year.
(d) Jatta, Bahadurkhel and Karak Salt Deposits
Production from this area almost equals that of the Warcha mines. The reserves,however,are thought to
be very large.
Salt is also obtained from brine and salt.Lakes, but the amount obtained from these sources is relatively
small compared with that of rock salt. Salt is harvested in the Tharparkar area of Sindh and obtained by
evaprating sea-water at Mauripur, near Karachi and along the Makran and Lasbela coasts large deposits
of concentrated brine have been discovered at Dharyala near Khewra. Various chemicals and fertilizers
may be manufactured from this brine.
5. Gypsum
Usage
Gypsum is also an important mineral of our country. It is used for the manufacturing of cement, plaster
of paris, fertilizers and in various other industries. It is also used to regain the fertility of soil in water-
logged and salinity areas.
Occurrence
Gypsum is in our country is found in a large quantity. Mianwali, Jhelum, Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab,
Quetta and Sibi in Baluchistan, Kohat in N.W.F.P are the main producers, but some quantity of Gypsum
is also found in Bahawalpur (punjab), Dadu and Sanghar districts (in Sindh), Dera Ismail Khan in
(N.W.F.P).
The total reserves of Gypsum found in our country are estimated at about 350 million tonnes.
6. Limestone
Usage
Limestone is the chief raw material of lime, cement, bleaching powder, glass, soap, paper, paints, steel
etc.
Occurrence
Limestone deposits constilute a large part of the sedimentary rocks of Pakistan. Although limestone is
wide spread, some areas have more concentrated deposits. These includes:
1.In N.W.F.P: Kohat,Nowshera,Pezu and Mughal Kot.
2.In Baluchistan: Loralal and Harnal.
3.In Punjab: Salt Range,Zinda pir,Margalla Hills.
4.In Sindh: Mango Pir,Marli Hills,Cape Monze,Rani Pir.
Total annual production is about 3.5 million tonnes.
7. Marble
Usage
It is mainly used as a building and decorative stone.
Occurrence
Pakistan exports marble manufactured items to a large number of countries around the world. In
various parts of our country good quality marble in a wide range of colours is found.
(a)Peshawar Division Deposits
Good quality marble of white and various other colours in found at two places:
a) Shahidmena area and
b) Kumbela Knwar area.
(b) Mardan District Deposits
Best known deposits of marble, usually white and of uniform texture is found at two places :
a) Gundari Tarko and
b) Maneri.
(c) Nowshera Area Deposits
Pink coloured marble of low quality is found. Total reseves amount to 3.8 million cubic ft.
(d) Quetta Area deposits
Large deposits of green, yellow and white marble are found total reserves amount to 1,80,000 tonnes.
A few deposits also appear in Chaghal district of Baluchistan and Muzaffarabad areas of Azad Kashmir.
The reserves of green marble deposits are about 8.6 million cubic feet and reserves of other qualities
are estimate about 700 million tonnes.

Power Resources

Introduction Energy is the essential need of the present age.Pakistan is selfsuffitient to the extent of
about 67% of its energy supply. The rest is being met through imports,mainly of crude petroleum and
deficit petroleum products. The following are the main power resources of our country:
1.Coal
2.Petroleum of Mineral Oil
3.Natural Gas
4.Hydro-Electric Power
About 42 % of energy in Pakistan is obtained from oil,35% from Natural gas,12% from hydle power and
4% from coal.
(A) COAL
Usage
Coal is described as the mother of modern Industry. It is at the back of the rapid Industrial development
of the great industrial powers which might not have been possible without its presence.
Coal is unique among natural products in the number of uses to which it can be put. The main function
of coal is to run the factories, the locomotives and the steam ships. Supplying heat for domestic
purposes is of secondary importance. Apart from these, coal tar, dyes, perfumes, colour films, sewing
thread and typewriter ribbons are some of the 200,000 by products derived from coal.
Occurrence
Coal Mines of the Punjab
1.Salt Range Mines
The coal found in these areas is of low quality. The main centres of coal in this area are Dandot and Pidh.
Besides, some coal is also mined at Ara Katha, Chilaj, Pir Jahania etc. Reserves are estimated at 70
million tonnes.
2.Makarwal Coal Mines
These are second important coal mines of Baluchistan. The coal found here is of poor quality and
reserves are small .
3.Degari Coal Mines
The coal found here is of low quality, having more ash and sulphur content. Reserves are estimated at
54 million tonnes.
Besides the above mentioned coal mines. Some coal has also been discovered in other areas of
Baluchistan such as Pir Ismail, Ziarat, Sinjidi and Kach, but extraction of coal has not been started from
those places.
Coal Mines Of Sindh
1.Lakhara Coal Mines
The coal found here is of inferior quality lignite and has a high moisture content. Reserves are about 22
million tonnes.
2.Meting Jhimpir Coal Mines
The seams of coal are thin and are of poor quality.Reserves are about 28 million tonnes.
Besides coal has been discovered in other areas of Pakistan such as Cherat hills.Nowshera in N.W.F.P
and at Kotli, Kuiratta, Dandili and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, but due to inferior quality and small
quantity, mining is uneconomical.
Total Reserves
Coal has been the traditional source of energy and its resources are estimated to the tune of 17.77
billion tonnes.
(B) MINERAL OIL OR PETROLEUM
Usage
The use of petroleum as a power resource is indispensable. Today, it illuminates the houses and runs
ships, locomotives and factories. It is of great significance for automobiles and aeroplanes. As a source
of lubricant petroleum has no rival.
It provides a number of by-products e.g.gasoline, petrol, diesel oil, kerosene oil, furnace oil, road oil,
wax, naphtha, benzine etc. It remaining dust is used in the cement industries. It is also an important raw
material for many chemical textile and pharmaceutical industries.
Occurrence
Punjab
1.Dhurnal oil Field (Dist.Chakwal,Punjab)
2.Meyal Oil Field (Dist.Attock,Punjab)
3.Toot Oil Field(Dist.Attock ,Punjab)
4.Chak Naurange Oil Field (Dist.Chakwal,Punjab)
5.Joya Mir Oil Field(Dist.Attock,Punjab)
6.Dhulian Oil Field(Dist.Attock,Punjab)
7.Khur Oil Field(Dist.Attock,Punjab)
8.Balkasar Oil Field (Dist.Chacwal,Punjab)
9.Karsal Oil Field(Dist.Chakwal,Punjab)
10.Adhi Oil Field(Dist.Rawalpindi,Punjab)
11.Bhangli Oil Field(Dist.Rawalpindi,Punjab)
Sindh
1.Laghari Oil Field(Dist.Badin,Sindh)
2.Tando Alam (Dist.Hyderabad,Sindh)
3.Thora Oil Field(Dist.Badin,Sindh)
4.Dhsbi Oil Field(Dist.Badin,Sindh)
5.Khashkheli Oil Field(Dist.Badin,Sindh)
6.Mazari Oil Field(Dist.Badin,Punjab)
7.South MAzari (DIst.Badin,Sindh)
8.Sono Ghotana Central Lashari
Besides the above in Sindh province at Gularchi Bobi Pasakhi,Tajedi Nari,Turk,Hali
Pota,Ghunghro,Panero,Kunner,Oil has also been discovered and experimental processes and under
progress.
Oil Refining
At present, Three refineries are operating in the country. Of these ,Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and
National Refinery Limited (NRL) are located at Karachi and Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) at Rawalpindi.
PRL and NRL have refining capacity of 1.8 million tonnes per year. In addition to imported crude oil, NRL
is also processing indigenous crude from new find at Legari-Khashkheli.
Total Reserves And Production
The recoverable reserves of crude oil were estimated at 145.69 million barrels on March 31,1992.
The production of oil increased from 53,481 barrels per day in 1989-90 to 64,348 barrels per day in
1990-91. However, during the period July-March, 1992 the production declined on an average to 62,500
barrels per day.
(C) NATURAL GAS
Usage
Natural Gas is an important means of energy,especially for countries like Pakistan which are deficient in
the production of mineral oil and coal.
Occurrence
The country is well endowed with natural gas. Following are some of the important gas fields
(a) Natural Gas Deposits At Sui
It is the biggest deposit of natural gas in our country. It is situated in Sibbi district of Baluchistan. This gas
field is considered as one of the biggest gas fields of the world and gas is being supplied to different
parts of our country from this field through pipe lines.
(b) Dhullian Gas Field
Mineral oil has been discovered at this place in 1937, so Attock Oil Company, while searching for more
oil, found natural gas at this field in 1994.
(c) Meyal Gas Field(Dist.Attock ,Punjab)
Pakistan Oil Field Ltd. Company discovered both oil and gas at this place in 1968. Gas is being supplied
through a pipe line for the industrial areas around Rawalpindi.
(d) Mari-Sari -Hundi
Mari-Sari-Hundi are also the gas fields from which gas is being supplied for various other purposes and
also to three fertilizer factories.
(e) Toot Gas Field (Dist.Attock,Punjab)
Natural gas has also been found at toot and it is being used since 1980.
Recently gas has been discovered at Dhabi South Sonoro, Bukhari, Matil and Jabo in Sindh and at
Makhdompur in Punjab.
Total Reserved And Production
The recoverable reserves of natural gas are estimated at 542.505 billion cubic meres. During the first
nine months of 1991-92 the production was 11543.19 million cubic mores as against 10932.92 million
cubic meres during the same period in the previous year showing an increase 5.58%. The country
produces about 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day.
(D) HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER
The hydro-electric potential of Pakistan, substantial part of which has now been harnessed, is mostly
located in the hilly north-western areas, where the different lated terrain provides natural sites for
dams. Some sites in the plains have also been developed by utilizing fall in rivers and canals. While the
use of the three eastern rivers has, as a result of the Indus Water Treaty, passed to India, the hydro-
electric potential of the three western rivers, the Indus,the Jhelum and the Chenab has been estimated
at 30 million Kw. Following are the main hydro projects of our country:
1.The Tarbela Power Station
When it comes into full operation it will have the largest capacity and generation. The installed capacity
of our units presently in operation 700 MW,and generation 4,129 MKWHS.
2.The Mangla Power Station
This power station will ultimetly have an installed capacity of 1,000 million watts in ten sets of 100,000
KW each. The first three generating sets, each of 100,000 KW, were installed as part of the Indus Basin
Plan and the other four have been added later by WAPDA.
3.The Warsak Power Station
It has six units with a total capacity of 240 MW. The turbines are fed by a concrete lined tunnel from the
46 metre high dam. This station was one of the major sources of hydro-electric power before the
completion of Mangla and Tarbela.
4.The Malakand And Dargai Power Stations
They produced electricity from falls in the upper Swat Canal. Water is taken back into the canal from the
Malakand station to feed the power house at Dargai. Malakand station was completed in 1938 ,with an
installed capacity of 16,700 KW, and this was to 80,000 KW in 1952. Dargai also has an installed capacity
of 80,000 KW.
5.The Rasul Project:
This project was started in 1946,with the limited purpose of feeding 1860 tube -wells in Gujrat and
Sargodha. The scheme was later modified to meet the requirements of the Punjab, before the
completion of Warsak power station. The water in the 3-km power channel is taken from the Upper
Jhelum Canal, and after passing through the turbine, joines the Lower Jhelum Canal.
6.The Chichoki Mallian Power Station
This station is located on the upper Chenab Canal about 48 km from Lahore,and in the event of a power
failure on the main grid,can be isolated to supply the city.
7.The Shadiwal Power Station
It is located on the upper Jhelum Canal near Gujrat.
8.The Nandipur Power Station
It is located on the upper chenab canal,about 7 miles north-west of Gujrat.
9.The Kurram and Garhi Station
These stations are on the irrigation canal taken out from the kurram River. About 40,000 KW of
electricity is being produced from this project which is providing the needs of Kohat and Dera Ismail
Khan divisions.
Energy Generation:(million Kwh)
1989-90 – 16925
1990-91 – 18298
1991-92 – 13724
(July to March)
Future Hydro Plans of WAPDA
Detailed engineering of the Kalabagh Dam Project is in progress. The Kalabagh Hydle Power Station will
be built about 12 miles upward from Kalabagh city on River Indus; It will have a capacity of about 1800
MW.Stage-I of 880 MW is planned to be completed in 1993 and stage-II in 1996. A reservoir at Thal has
been planned to firm Tarbela Power by about 200 MW in the low-water months.Besides,hydro potential
estimated at 60 MW available on the Chashma-jhelum link Canal is also planned for exploitation.
Industries

INTRODUCTION The Industrial base of Pakistan Pakistn at the time of Independence was very weak. Not
more than 35 important industries fell to Pakistan’s share. To restrict dependance on Indian industrial
centres,it became essential to set up basic industries.To overcome this handicap the government
encouraged the establishment of new industries based on local raw material which was sufficiently
available.
In 1949-50 manufactured items accounted for only 1.5% of the national income.After 10 years the ratio
improved to 5 %.In 70-71 the ratio increased upto 16.31% .In 78-79 the ratio declined to 14.35%. Today
the large soule industries have 19.9% share in our GNP.Pakistan has attained a fairly diversified base in
manufacturing ranging from essential consumer goods to heavy engineering,chemicals and tools
industry. Inspite of this enormous progress,we cannot still claim to be an industrially developed country.
Our economy still depends upon the agricultural sector and import of various industrial products from
other countries.
LOCALIZATION FACTORS
There are some important geographical and economic factors which exercise a great influence on the
Localization of any industry.The factors are called the localization factors and are as follows:
1.Raw Materials
No Industry can be established without availability of raw materials. They should be easily accessible
otherwise the expenses incurred on their acquisition become immense .The modern means of
transportation have made possible to tap distant sources of raw material.
2.Power Resources
An industry can not run without the supply of energy and power. Modern complex industries consume
large amount of power. Fuel must be easily available at the selected site. Water power,thermal power,
natural gas, mineral oil and small quantity of coal (due to low production) is used as power in Pakistani
industries.
3.Proximity to The Market
The ultimate purpose of all production is consumption. The consuming market should not be remote
from the industries, otherwise the delivery of the manufactured items will add immensely to the
cost.However modern means of transportation have opened the world market and decreased
dependance on the local market.
4.Labour
Labour of its three types:
1)Skilled
2)Unskilled and
3)Management and labour staff.
Abundant and cheap supply of all kinds of labour should be available at the site of the industry.
Unfortunately we are not self sufficient in the supply of skilled labour which is a great handicap for our
local industries. We have to import skilled labour which adds to our cost.
5.Suitable Climate:
Climate determines the working power and efficiency of labourers and also the economy of the
products. Different kinds of industries require different kinds of climate. Generally speaking, temperate
climate is most suitable as it stimulates people to work harder.
6.Easy Availability of Capital
It is an accepted fact that modern industrialization is impossible without the large supply of capital.Easy
and large supply of capital is an important factor for the localization of any industry. I.D.B.P,N.D.F.C
,PIDC,PICIC AND ICP are institutions in our country which are playing an indispensable role in the
industrial development of our country by providing financial help to our industries.
7.Government Encouragement
Encouragement and incentive from the side of the government is an important localisation factor for
any industry.
8.Means of Transportation
In these days of specialized and diverse trading operations, availability of means of transport (may it be
by air, sea or land) is indispensable. These means should be easily and quickly available and should also
be cheap to minimize cost of production.
9.Political Conditions
Areas at a safe distance from politically explosive regions and enemy territories are preferred for
industrial location.
(A) COTTON TEXTILE INDUSTRY
Importance
Cotton textile industry is the biggest industry of Pakistan.Pakistan forms the base of world Cotton textile
industry. It is a broad industry and involves spinning i.e.yarn production and weaving i.e.cotton
production.
The making of textiles employs over 200,000 persons in Pakistan which is more than 1/3rd of all those
employed in large scale industries.It also makes the largest contribution to the GNP. Apart from its basic
contribution of fulfilling the need at home,we earn a large amount of foreign exchange from the export
of cotton yarn and cloth.
Review of Progress
The country had 18 cotton mills in 1948 with 1.77 lac spindles and 4,824 looms.The total production of
yarn was 3 crore pounds and that of cloth amounted to 9 crore yds.Their production was altogether
inadequate for the country’s requirements and a large quantity of cloth and yarn had to be imported.
Resources were available for its development. The government gave priority this industry made the
greatest progress.In 1964-65 the number of factories was more than 120.As regards to production of
yarn,It increased to 14.5 yds.in 1967-68.
After 1974,this industry faced a severe recession due to both to domestic and international
factors.Pakistan had suffered particularly,because this industry is export oriented.Both production and
exports of its products had drastically fallen during these years.The major causes of the crises of the
cotton textile industry had been :
1) Tall in demand for the products of this industry in the international market in the face of glut in
production in several countries.
2) Domestically there were several unfavourable developments;such as rise in price of cotton due to fall
in cotton production,and increase in wages of labour along with the reported fall in its
productivity.Today we have 200 cotton textile mills in recognized sector.
Cotton Textile Centres
Karachi,The Biggest Textile Centre
After the establishment of Pakistan,the first mill named as Valika Cotton Textile Mill was established at
Karachi in 1948. Although ,Karachi is not located in cotton growing area.Yet it soon became and is
still,the biggest centre of cotton textile industry in Pakistan.Many factors were responsible.It had the
advantage of availability of capital ,banking facilities,bussiness ability of families which migrated to
Karachi,fine labour,railway and road links with cotton growing areas,humid climate,easy availability of
sui gas etc.
In addition to Karachi ,now in every big city of all the four provinces,cotton textile mills have been set
up.These are as follows:
1.Sindh
Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Adam, Tando Jam,Khairpur,Larkana,Tando Mohammed Khan, Kotri etc.
2.Punjab
Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Jhelum, D.G.K, Sargodha, Okara, Rahimyar Khan,
Harappa.
3.Baluchistan
Quetta, Lasbela, Anthar.
4.N.W.F.P
Peshawar, Nowshehra, D.I.K, Kohat, Bannu, Haripur, Hazara, Charsadda.
Installed Capacity
Installed Capacity of Textile Industry ( in thousands)
Year ……………. Spindles Installed …… Spindles Working …..Looms Installed ….. Looms Working
1989-90……………..5195………………..4416……………….16……………….8
1990-91……………..5569………………..4827……………….15……………….8
1991-92……………..6141………………..6465……………….15……………….8
(July-March)
Production
(a) Production of Cotton Yarn(thousand Kg.)
Year- Production
1989-90 – 911,588
1990-91 – 1,041,248
1991-92 – 861,819
(b) Production of Cotton Cloth (thousand Sq.Metre)
Year- Production
1989-90 – 294,839
1990-91 – 292,911
1991-92 – 233,997
(July-March)
Position of Trade
The country is now self-sufficient in varieties of cotton cloth and cotton yarn.We are now excited from
the list of importers in this connection.The major export markets of Pakistani cotton fabrics are EEC,
U.S.A, U.S.S.R, Australia, Iran, Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Exports(July-March)
…………………Quantity(MT) …………………………Value (Million $)
…………………1990-91…1991-92 …………………1990-91…..1991-92
Cotton Yarn….346615…..332100………………….810.73……786.53
Cotton Fabrics…782…….860……………………486.92……587.65
(B) IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRY
Introduction
In the first phase of Industralization in Pakistan,the emphasis was on the development of consumer
goods industry.It was soon felt that the establishment of basic industries like Iron and Steel were
essential for the economic development of the country.A vigorous search for iron ore and other
minerals was started.
At present ,Pakistan heavy engineering industry comprises of the following units:
1.Heavy Mechanical Complex-Taxila
HMC Taxila is one of the most important industries of the 3rd five year plan of Pakistan in the overall
scheme of establishing basic and key industries in the country.
It was completed in 1970 with the technical and economic assistance of the people’s Republic of China
involving a total cost of Rs.240 million.Its annual production capacity is 17,000 tonnes of various types of
complete machines and plants which include sugar and cement plants,chemical and petro chemical
plants,road bulldozers,railway wagons, axles of wagons, overhead traveling cranes and boilers.At
present 12 cement plants and 19 sugar plants produced by the complex have been installed.A cement
plan has been exported to Bangladesh and 3 sugar plants to Indonesia and Bangladesh. Export orders
which are under process have also been received from Bangladesh,Syria,Iran,Kenya and Azerbaijan.
2.heavy Foundry and Forge Project-Taxila
This project was set up with the technical and financial assistance of the people’s Republic of China in
1972 and is one of the biggest project of this kind in Pakistan. It is planned to provide a metallurgical
base to the heavy engineering sector. The project,when in full production,will be able to fully meet the
requirements of heavy castings and forgings of the engineering units of Pakistan.
3.Pakistan Machine tool Factory-Landhi
This factory was established in collaboration with a swiss firm at Landhi in Karachi.It is a highly
sophisticated engineering facility which is producing transmission components and automobile parts
since 1968.Its major products are gear boxes,audaxles for trucks,jeeps,tractors etc.
4.Pakistan Steel Mill (Karachi)
The foundation stone of Karachi Steel Mill was laid down on December.30, 1973.It was completed at a
cost of Rs.2,55,500 million with the economic and technical assitance of U.S.S.R.
This biggest industrial enterprise in the country is the precursor of countless economic benefits.The
completion of the steel mill is a shining milestone which leads the way to a new era of progress in the
nation’s economy.
Employment
The employment level at Pakistan Steel was 23,842 as on March 31,1992 compared with 23,965 on
December 31,1991.

Installed Capacity
Pakistan Steel is a huge engineering complex and is producing coke,pig iron,billets,hot rolled
sheets/plates,cold rolled sheets/plates,galvanised sheets etc.It has a production capacity equivalent to
1.1 million tonnes of raw steel per anum with a built in potential to expand to over 3 million tonnes.
The average capacity utilization in terms of raw steel was 76% during 1991-92.
Production Performance(000 tonnes)
Items ………………………. 1990-91 …………………. 1991-92(July-March)
Coke…………………………….712…………………………..660
Pig Iron…………………………1013………………………….766
Rolled Billets…………………….252………………………….176
Cast Billets……………………….81…………………………..48
Hot Rolled Coils……………………386………………………….296
Cold Rolled Coils…………………..111…………………………..99
Galvanized Coils…………………….42…………………………..35
Formed Sections……………………..1……………………………—
Sales Turnover
The sales turnover of Pakistan steel increased from Rs.6500 million during July-March 1990-91 to
Rs.6669 million during July-March 1991-92 as compared with Rs.32 million in July-March,1990-91.
(C) CEMENT INDUSTRY
Introduction
Cement is one of the vital resources needed by a developing country. The cement industry is one of the
heavy industries of Pakistan. This industry has recorded satisfactory progress in the past because specific
raw material of this industry i.e.gypsum,limestone and a particular soil is quite abundant in
Pakistan.That is why Pakistan can not only become self-sufficient in cement productio,but can also
become an exporter of cement.However,in view of the large amount of capital required in this
industry,Pakistan has so far been producing cement to meet the domestic requirements only.The groeth
of this industry is well reflected in the establishment of a number of new cement projects in the country.
Review of growth
Position at the time of Establishment
The cement industry is the only industry which was luherited by Pakistan because at the time of
independence there were 4 cement factories in the country:
1.Dalmian Cement Factory-Karachi. 160,000 tonnes
2.Dalmian Cement Factory-Dandot. 500,000 tonnes
3.Associated Ltd.Cement Factory-Wah. 90,000 tonnes
4.Associated Ltd. Cement Factory-Rohri. 180,000 tonnes
Total production capacity of all the 4 factories = 4,80,000 tonnes.
First Phase of Development
The investment in the cement industry of Pakistan was initiated by the PIDC with the setting up of 2
cement plants of which 1 was set up at Daud Khel.Its name was Maple Leaf cement plant,with the
annual production capacity of 300,00 tonnes.The 2nd,Zeal Pak cement plant was set up at Hyderabad in
1965 which was later expanded in 3 stages and now has an installed capacity of 108,000 tonnes.
The Second Phase of Development
The second phase of development of cement industries started during the sixties with the setting up of
3 cement factories in the private sector.
The demand for cement had been steadily increasing which induced the private investors to further
invest in this industry .Consequently,the annual production capacity of cement which was 10,00,000
tonnes in 1959-60 increased to 2.7 million tonnes in 1969-70 ,registering an increase of 165% during a
period of 10 years.
Impact of Nationalization in 1972
In 1972,the units of cement industries were also nationalized along with other industrial units
consequently,the production of cement was limited between 2.7 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes.All
cement industries were given under the control of a corporation named “Pak State Cement
Corporation”.As a result cement had to be imported to meet the domestic demand.
Performance upto the End of the 6th Plan
In 1978,the government undertook various development projects for the reactivation of the private
sector such as the completion of steel mills,port qasim,construction of new dams,railway
lines,expansion of highways,development of the under developed regions.Those projects caused
unprecedented increase in the domestic demand for cement in the country and we had to depend on
large scale import of cement to meet this increased demand.Consequently ,in 1981-82,900,000 tonnes
of cement was imported,while in 1982-83,6,20,000 tonnes was imported.
In view of the steadily increasing demand for cement ,the private sector was induced to invest in this
industry.In addition to that ,the production capacity of cement units in the public sector was also
expanded during the 5th and 6th five Year Plans.Consequently ,by the end of the 6th plan,the total
production of cement increased from 3.40 million tonnes in 1977-78,to 6.7 million tonnes in 1986-87.
Installed Capacity
At present 23 cement units are operating in the country with a capacity of 8135 thousand tonnes .Out of
these,12 units with a capacity of 5169 thousand tonnes are in the public sector and 11 units with a
capacity of 2966 thousand tonnes are in the private sector.
Production(000 tones)
1989-90- 7488
1990-91 – 7762
1991-92 – 8095
(July-March) Provisional
Exports(Rs.million
1989-90- 31
1990-91 – 159
1991-92 – 42
(D)PAPER INDUSTRY
Introduction
Paper was first invented in 100 A.D.in china.Before the existence of Pakistan there was no paper
industry in our country. All the paper requirements were imported from abroad.Domestic raw materials
like bamboos,rice and wheat straws,jute stalks etc.Were lying un-utilized and in abundance in the
eastern wing.Two big paper mills were established in East Pakistan which not only made Pakistan self
sufficient in writing,printing and wrapping papers but also placed it in a position to export.There were
only a few paper mills in the western wing.After 1971,the supply of paper from Bangladesh stopped and
we had to depend on imported paper.However with the passage of time,many paper mills were set up
in Pakistan.
Important Paper Mills
At present,following are the paper mills in our country:
1.Adamjee Paper Mills (Nowshera)N.W.F.P
There is a hard board industry at Nowshera (N.W.F.P).Its producing capacity is 5000 tonnes of hardboard
which is mostly needed for packing purposes.The waste of sugarcane (bagasse) is used as raw material
which comes from sugar industry, Mardan.
2.Charsada Paper Mills (Charsada,Mardan)N.W.F.P
Wood pulp is used as raw material.
3.Gharoo Paper Mills (Gharoo)Sindh
It uses waste of rice as raw material.
4.Packages Industry (Lahore)Punjab
Uses wood pulp as raw material.
5.Rahwali Paper Mills(Gujranwala)Punjab
It produces hardboard and brown paper.
6.Hyderabad Plant Paper(Sindh)
A plant of paper has been recently completed at Hyderabad to meet the newspaper requirements which
uses the waste of rice as raw material.
Imports of Paper and Paper Board
During July-March 1990-91,the value of paper and paper board imported stood at dollar 99.85
million.During the same period in 1991-92 the value of imports stood at dollar 111.88 million.
(E) CIGARETTES INDUSTRY
A large amount of tobacco is being cultivated in various parts of our country and we produce enough
amount of tobacco every year.In the beginning there was no factory for the manufacturing of tobacco
products and we had to export most of our tobacco in raw shape and had to import tobacco products
from other countries.
Thus the government allowed to set up a number of factors for the manufacturing of tobacco
products,so we saved a large amount or foreign exchange.Today we have not only become self sufficient
in our tobacco to other countries.
There are 25 cigarettes manufacturing units situated at Jhelum Multan,Lahore(Punjab),Karachi
(Landhi,Maripur,Sukkar,(Sindh),Nowshera(N.W.F.P)
Production(Million Nos.:
1989-90- 32279
1990-91 – 29887
1991-92 – 22575(July-March)
Means of Transport

Introduction Transport and communication systems are vital to the economic health of a country,and
the density of the transport network is an index of economic development.As the economy becomes
more complex and interlinked,adjustments and improvements must be made in the means of transport
and communication.Pakistan,is a relatively large country of diverse topography.Development of
Transportation network in the plain areas is comparatively easy and economically rewarding.The reverse
is true of the mountainous areas and this fact is reflected in the present in the present distributional
pattern of means of transport and communications.The density of the transportation pattern is very low
in the Northern and North-Western hilly areas and in the Baluchistan Plateau.Vast tracts of land are
either totally devoid of any modern facilities or very inadequately served.The following means of
transportation are available in our country: (i) Inland transportation(roads and railways) .(ii) Waterways
(river and ocean transportation and (iii) Air transportation.
1. Inland Transportation
(A) ROAD TRANSPORTATION
Importance
Road transport plays a vital roll in the economic development through mobilization of human and
material resources available in the economy of a country. It facilities trade and opens business
opportunities by collecting goods from the producing centres and distributing them to different areas
where they are needed.It promotes foreign trading by arranging the distribution of imported goods and
collection of indigenous products to be sent abroad it serves as a mean of creating link between the
urban and rural sectors and facilitates the movement of the people all over the country. Such
movements accelerate social welfare of the people and help the government in maintaining law and
order within the country.It also facilitates the arrangement for guarding the frontiers through
mobilization of defence store and personnel to the far flung border areas.It supports and compliments
the working of other transport systems. Such as rail,air and waterways which have a limitation of not
being extendable to every part of a country and as such,their utility as means of mobilization of
resources is very much reduced.
Again,road transport does not require a huge investment and the return of investment made in it not
spread over a very very long period.Above all,its maintenance cost is also comparatively very low and as
such,its development, improvement and expansion can be effected easily and cheaply in comparison to
other systems.
Road Transportation in Pakistan
All the time Pakistan was created there was not much vahiculay traffic on roads except bullock carts and
other animal drawn carts .But today the thronged with trucks,buses,station wagons,jeeps,cars and
motorcycles.National logistic cell established in 1978 is performing great service by transporting
essential commodities to and from Karachi Port Inland.
Although road traffic is increasing rapidly,the density of the road network is still inadequate and the
condition of most roads is unsatisfactory in quality,width, and separation of up and down
carriageways.Slow moving carts mingle with modern vehicular traffic and accidents and traffic jams are
frequent.
Principal Roads
The main roads of Pakistan are as follows:
1.Karachi to Torkham via Lahore
This is the longest and an important road of Pakistan.It is also known as the grand trunk road.Its length
is about 1735 kilometers.
This road links Karachi Port with other interior parts of our country.The import and export of
Afghanistan goes through this road.All the big cities situated on this road are linked with other small
towns and villages through small roads. In many regions,this road run parallel to the railway line at some
places due to heavy traffic from Hyderabad to Karachi,it has been rebuilt and is known as the Super
Highway.This road passes from the following towns and cities.Karachi to Thatta, Hyderabad,
Nawabshah, Rohri, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Okara, Pattoki, Raiwind,
Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Nowshera, Peshawar, Torkham.
2.Karachi to Chaman via Kalat and Quetta
This is the second largest and an important road of Pakistan.Its distance is about 834 kilometers from
Karachi to Chaman. This road beginning from Karachi passing through the remote areas of Baluchistan
Province,reaches upto ,Chaman,a small border town near the border of Afghanistan. The products of
Afghanistan ,such as dry fruits etc. come to Karachi through this road.Besides this the requirements of
rural and urban areas of Baluchistan are fulfilled through this road.
3.Rohri to Quetta via Sukkur,Jacobabad-Sibi
This is third important road of our country. Its distance is about 410 kilometers.This road passing
through different parts of Sindh Province,connects various important cities of Baluchistan Province.The
products of Baluchistan Province and trade with other province is mainly performed through this road.
4.Dera Ismail Khan to Quetta via Fort Sandeman
This is also an important road of our country.This road connects the areas of N.W.F.P .with Baluchistan
Province.This road also goes from Dera Ismail Khan to Peshawar via Bannu and Kohat.It has strategic and
economic importance.The distance from Dera Ismail Khan to Quetta is 555 kilometers.
5.Third National Highway
On the right bank of Indus River,a big highway is under construction.Its distance from Karachi to
Peshawar will be about 1220 kilometers and it is expected that it will be completed upto 1993.This
highway will connect the following cities: Karachi, Sewan Sharif, Dadu, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmir, Dera
Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat and Peshawar.
(B) RAILWAYS
Introduction
Railways are the convenient and quick means of transport of people and goods particularly heavy
items,over long distances.
Pakistan inherited 8554 km.(5315 miles) of railways ,to which much addition has not been made.The
extension work has hampered because of difficulties in maintaining and running the existing
railways.The locomotives in Pakistan were run by coal.After the creation of Pakistan coal became a
scarce commodity .Therefore,Pakistan had to change its engines from coal to diesel which required
money and time.Workshop had also to be remodelled to to repair and maintain them.Another problem
was the availability of railways are switching to concrete sleepers.At some places metre gauge track has
been changed into broad gauge track.Besides this,electrification of Railway track from Lahore to
Khanewal has been completed and work of electrification to Samasatta Railway track is under
progress.At present, Pakistan Railways comprise of 8775 route kilometers,907 stations and 78 train
halts.Its major assets include 753 locomotives,2339 passengers coaches and 34851 freight wagons.
Railway Routes
Following are the principle routes at Pakistan railways:
1.Peshawar to Karachi via Lahore
This is the main line of Pakistan railway.Its distance from Karachi city to peshawar cantt.is 1045 miles or
1682 kilometers.This line passing through Lahore (Pakistan Railway Headquarter) connects the biggest
port of Pakistan (Karachi) with other cities of the country.The following are the important stations
situated on this route: Peshawar, Nowshera, Attock, Hasanabdal, Texila, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Lalamusa,
Gujrat, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Raiwind, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan,
Bahawalpur, Khanpur, Rahimyar Khan, Rohri, Khairpur, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Kotri, Karachi.
It is a double line from Lodhran to Karachi and Lahore to Raiwind.Trains can go up and down lines
simultaneously,but from Raiwind to Lodhran,it is a single line track and trains have to stop at various
stations to pass the trains coming from the opposite site.
Electric trains are being run between Lahore and Khanewal and further extension work is under
progress.It is estimated that the expenditure of oil consumption have been reduced due to the use of
electricity,and a large amount of foreign exchange is being saved also.
2.Karachi to Quetta via Kotri,Dadu,Jacobabad
This is also an important route of Pakistan railway.This line connects the port of Karachi with various
cities of Baluchistan Province and reaches upto Quetta. This line has been further extended from Quetta
to Zahidan via Nokundi ,Its distance is about 323 miles.
3.Rohri to Chaman via Sukkur,Larkana,Quetta,Chaman
The distance of this route is 239 miles,it reaches from Rohri to Chaman,a town situated near the border
of Afghanistan. The products of Afghanistan such as fruits etc.reach various provinces through this
route.
4.Peshawar to Multan via Attock,Kundian,Mari Indus,Multan
This is a branch line which reaches from Multan to Attock and meets the main line.
5.Lalamusa to Khanewal via Sargodha,Faisalabad
This is also a branch line passing through various commercial centres and meets the main line near Lala
Musa.
(C) AIR TRANSPORT
in 1947 a small air company,the Orient Airways,Operated in Pakistan.Two more companies quickly stand
up namely the Pak-air Limited and Crescent Airways.By 1952 the two new companies were
dissolved.The Orient Airways was too small to meet the growing needs of the country.Therefore,in April
1955,Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is established by an ordinance.The Orient Airways was merged
in the new company which now monopolizes air transport in Pakistan.
The Pakistan International Airline has made a phenomenal progress since it Inception.It started its life
with a fleet of 15 aircrafts,three super constellation ,two convairs and ten Dakutas.As on February
29,1992 Pia’s fleet comprised of 47 aircrafts of different types.
The PIA services are available to some large cities like Karachi,Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Faisalabad,
Multan, Hyderabad,and Quetta.It also links small places which have transport difficulties like Gilgit,
Chitral, Skurdo, Pasni, Gwadar, Turbal and Jiwani and important historical places,Like Mohenjo Daro.In
all PIA serves 35 domestic stations.It has wide links outside Pakistan.It connects many Europeon
countries like U.K ,Germany,France,Italy,Russia etc.It goes to U.S.A.It connects most of the countries of
the Middle East and a few African countries.It goes to India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand, China,
Hong Kong and Japan.In all PIA serves 43 International stations.The result of this expansion has been
that the number of the passengers and Cargo handled by PIA has greatly increase in 1955-56 PIA carried
1.1 million passengers which was more than double in flye years time.In 1970-71 and 1971-72 ,There
was a little set back because of political disturbances in East Pakistan and its eventual position in
1971.Since then the conditions have started to improve steadily.In ten years time the passenger traffic
increased from 1.8 million (1970-71) to 6.5 million (1980-81).The increase was phenomenal rise took
place in international traffic from 0.5 million in 1970-71 to 3.2 million in 1981-82.The progress in Cargo
handled by PIA as equally glorious.In 1955-56 only 1,00 tons of cargo was carried that increased by
about 7 times in five years (1959-60).In other ten years 1970-71 the increase was 3 times.In another ten
years (198081),more than three times increase was registered.
Karachi Airport of our country has gained the position of an International Airport. It is a stopping point
for flights from Europe to Far East and Australia and also for flights from China to Africa.From Karachi
there are connecting flights to various countries of Middle East.PIA’S network extends from Tokyo to
Newyork and Toronto.In June,1991,Mashed in Iran as added as a new destination.
In PIA,within a few years engineering facilities will be further developed and production facilities will be
geared up to undertake manufacturing and repair work.
2. Waterways
(A)RIVER TRANSPORTATION
Rivers were the chief means of transportation in ancient times.That is why most of the ancient cities
grew up along the courses and at the junctions of rivers.Today,only cheap,bulky and non-perishable
goods are carried by rivers.
Rivers are probably the cheapest means of transportation.Expenses such as those involved in the
building of roads and railway tracks are avoided as the running cost of boats is low.When compared with
that of engines and trains .In mountainous regions of our country ,timber wood is transported by means
of rivers.There is insufficient water in our rivers all the year round for large boats to use them easily.The
Indus carries sufficient water and is navigable from Attock to its delta which is about a distance of 960
miles.Different kinds of Items such as timber,grains,stones etc.,are transported from one place to
another with the help of small boats.
(B)OCEAN TRANSPORTATION
The import and export of Pakistan are mainly carried through Ocean transport.
Shipping
Pakistan is started its life with a frail base in shipping sector.There were three old ships with a dead
weight of 18,000 tons.Almost all the goods from foreign countries were brought on foreign ships and
heavy drain of foreign exchange was taking place.The government therefore became a member of
U.K.Continent Conference line .More than 40 ships began to operate.Further expansion of shipping
enterprise was felt necessary.In 1963 a new shipping policy was adopted which among other
things,sanctioned the purchase of 35 ships.During the same year National Shipping Corporation was
established. Its ship began to operate on U.K.continent route and U.S.A. in 1964.In 1965,its ships started
to go to Singapore,Hong Kong ,China and Japan.In 1966,Red sea and Persian Gulf areas were tapped.By
1970 the corporation had 31 vessels with dead weight of 336,931 tonnes.Besides there were 40 ships
owned by other companies established in Pakistan.These 71 Pakistani ships were handling the entire
interwing trade (East Pakistan-West Pakistan trade) and 14 % of the foreign sea-borne trade and could
carry 6600 passengers.In 1974,th e private shipping companies were nationalized.To manage them
Pakistan shipping corporation was established.In 1979,the two corporations were merged under the
name of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).The PNSC’s development programme includes
the acquisition of a bulk carrier for shipments of rock phosphate,an edible oil tanker for shipments of
palm oil,four bulk carriers for shipments of iron ore and coal imported by Pakistan Steel and three
container vessels for handling containerized general cargo trade.
At present there are 22 vessels owned by PNSC.The corporation has a dead weight of 352,716
tons.During the first half of the year ending December31,1991 the corporation handled 2.74 million
freight tonnes of cargo as against 2.77 million freight tons during the previous-half year ending
December 31,1990.
1. Karachi Port
Located west of the Indus Delta on the Arabian Sea coast,Karachi Port has served Pakistan since its
inception.Karachi is a natural harbour sheltered behind the island of Keamari and a break-water at
Manora. Karachi,a major port by world standards,is Pakistan’s only large port.It has a vast hinterland
comprising not merely Pakistan and that part of Kashmir which is not under indian occupation but also
Afghanistan.The port has more than 25 berths,plus a petroleum dock.The East Wharf ,constructed over
50 years ago,has been modernized.The West Wharves and a dry dock for the construction and repair of
ships have been built since independence.The ports dry general cargo handling capacity,though
considerably increased in the past,is still less than the actual amount of cargo handled,the two
respectively being C and over 14 million tons per annum.As a result,the harbour is very crowded,with
most ships double-berthed,and long delays in entering the port are usual .Much has been done to
improve the port in four projects .The fourth project of Karachi port included,among other works,the
construction of 75,000 dead weight oil tanker berth.It has improve the old handling capacity of the port
from 5 to 10 million tonnes per annum.A master plan had been prepared for the development of the
port and the first set of 8 berths,with modern container terminals,was completed by 1987-88.The dry
general cargo handling capacity of the port improved by 2 million tonnes.
Cargo Handling
During the first nine months of the Financial year ending March 1992,the Karachi port handled a cargo
volume of 14.7 million tons (11 million tons of import and 3.7 million tons of export) ,which is 4.2%
above the corresponding period of the previous year.
2. Port Mohammed Bin Qasim
In view of the increasing work the Karachi Port had to perform,the necessity of a new port was felt.After
examining a number of areas,finally a site for the new port was selected at Pilli Creek,close to Pakistan
Steel Mill.In June 1973,Port Mohammed Bin Qasim Authority was established and the work on the port
was started.Port Mohammed Bin Qasim, which is the first bulk,semi bulk and industrial port of the
country is situated 53 kilometers south east of the Karachi Port.
Besides handling general cargo like rice,cement,fertilizers etc.the port will have special facilities for
handling iron ore, coal and steel mill machinery.In the first phase the port shall have 8 berths and 12
more will be added in the second phase.Most of the work in phase 1 has been completed and the port
has started functioning.
Cargo Handling
Cargo handled at Port Bin Qasim during July March 1991-92 was 5.768 million tonnes,including 5.152
million tonnes of import and 0.616 million tonnes of export goods.

Foreign Trade of Pakistan

INTRODUCTION When Pakistan came into being her economy was completely based on agriculture.The
experts consisted of agricultural products only.For the economic development of the country there was
need for diversification of her trade and a change in her pattern.The government of Pakistan decided to
industrialize the country as rapidly as possible.Export promotion was regarded as one of the highest
national commitments by the government.Various measures were adopted for export
improvement.Pakistan participated in International Trade Conferences and Fairs.The Export Promotion
Bureau and Export Promotion Council were set up to provide assistance and information to potential
foreign buyers.A large number of concessions and incentives were given to the export trade section
etc.As a result the pattern of trade in Pakistan changed.Experts increased and now these include
industrial finished products as well as raw materials.
In spite of the different measures taken by the government for boosting the export,still our imports are
greater than the exports.The balance of trade is unfavourable and deficit.
The year 1991-92 was estimated to have closed with a balance of payment deficit of dollar 2.6 billion
plus.Indeed as far as one may go back the balance of payment has been in the red, with the figure
hovering over dollar 1 billion through out the last ten years or so.
CHIEF EXPORT ITEMS OF PAKISTAN
Following are the main items which may be included in our export list:
1.Cotton
Cotton ranks at the top of the export list of Pakistan.Pakistan occupies first position in Asia and second
position in the world as an exporter of cotton and cotton products.Export of Raw cotton,cotton cloth
and cotton yarn together contribute approximately 40 to 42% to the total export earning of
Pakistan.Karachi with the cotton growing hinterland has almost the monopoly of the trade.
(a) Cotton Cloth
Cotton fabrics are at the top of our export list.We export a large amount of cotton cloth every year.Due
to increasing demand,its export has gone higher enough.
Some of the customers of cotton cloth are U.K,U.S..,U.S.S.R., Hong Kong,Japan,Singapore,W.Germany
and Sudan.
(b) Cotton Yarn
It is another important export item of our country.Its export is increasing every year. Important
Customers are Japan,U.K,Hong Kong,W.Germany,U.S.A.,Sri Lanka,and Burma.
(c) Raw Cotton
Pakistan grows surplus amount of best quality long staple American Upland Cotton which is very much
demanded all over the world.Our main customers of raw cotton are U.K.,China,Japan,Hong
Kong,Belgium,Indonesia,Italy,Singapore and Bangladesh.
2.Rice
Pakistan has emerged as one of the leading exporters of rice .In the previous years rice was at the top of
our export list but due to fluctuation in the world market,its demand has decreased.Best qualities like
Basmati and Irri-6 are exported. Pakistan exports rice to almost all the Gulf States and Middle
Eastern,European,East Asian and some African countries.
3.Carpets,Rugs And Mats
Pakistan earns a large amount of foreign exchange by exporting very fine quality carpets (both hand and
machine made) rugs and mats.Due to heavy competition in world’s market their demand is increasing.
U.S.A. is an important buyer of Pakistani carpets,rugs and mats.Other customers are mostly European
countries including France,U.K.,Italy,Switzerland,W.Germany,Belgium etc.
4.Fish And Fish Preparations
Fish is exported,fresh,canned and dried.Shrimps are exported to Japan and U.S.A. canned fish finds its
market mostly in W.Europe. Middle Eastern and South Asian countries (specially Sri Lanka) are also
important customers of Pakistani fish and fish preparation.
5.Leather And Hides
Pakistan produces hides and skin worth approximately 2 crore every year of which 40 % are
exported.Now,because of leather industries in our country export of hides and skin.
Italy,Spain,Japan,France,China,Romania,W.Germany etc.are important markets in this regard.
6.Synthetic Textile Products
Pakistani Synthetic Textle Products are popular in various foreign countries.Thes are mainly exported to
Middle Eastern,African and South american countries.
7.Petroleum Products
There are 3 oil refineries in Pakistan where crude petroleum is imported and a number of petroleum
products are being produced.Some of the surplus products are exported to India,Turkey,Sri
Lanka,Singapore etc.
8.Sports Goods
Pakistan has a worthy name in exporting sports goods to more than 100 countries,principally to
W.Germany,U.K.,Italy,U.S.A.,France etc.
9.Surgical Instruments
Pakistan is also exporting surgical equipments to China,Japan,America and Canada.
Besides the above mentioned items,Pakistan exports a number of miscellaneous items like raw wool,
Tobacco, Fruits, Vegetables etc. to various countries.
CHIEF IMPORT ITEMS OF PAKISTAN
Following are the main items of our country:
1.Mineral Oil
Our country is not self sufficient in our mineral oil requirements.The present oil production of our own
country meets only about 24% of the country’s requirements.So to meet the deficiency,we have to
import a large amount of mineral oil from other countries.We import mineral oil from Saudi
Arabia,Iran,U.A.E and other Middle East countries.
2.Machinery
As our country is in its developing stage,we have to import different kinds of machinery to meet the
demands of various industries.The machines are usually imported from Japan,U.S.A. and Europeian
countries.
3.Edible Oil
The production of edible oil is is not sufficient to meet the demand of our Ghee industry.Although the
government has taken various measures to boost up the production of oil seeds,but inspite of those our
country is still deficient in edible oil so we have to import enough amount of edible oil e.g. soyabean oil
from U.S.A. and Palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia.
4.Chemicals And Drugs
The economy of our country mainly demands on agriculture,so to get higher yield from different crops
spray of various chemicals is essential.Thus to meet all these demands of our agricultural sector,we have
to import various kinds of chemicals and drugs from other countries.The chemicals and drugs are mainly
imported from Japan, Germany, U.S.A, U.K, and other European countries.
5.Dyes And Colours
Various Industries of our country use a number of dyes and colours as raw material in their products
such as textile,inting etc. so to meet the demand of all these industries,various kinds of colours and dyes
are imported.These colours and dyes are mainly imported from Japan ,U.K.,U.S.A. etc.
6.Tea
Our country produces a very small quantity of tea which is sufficient to meet the demand of our
country.So various tea companies port huge amount of tea.Tea is mainly imported from Sri
Lanka,Bangladesh,India and Kenya.
7.Electric Goods
Different kinds of electrical goods are needed in our country .The local industries are not in in the
position to meet the required demand so we have to import a large number of electric goods from
Japan,S.A.,U.K. and other European countries.
8.Transport Equipments
Our country needs different kinds of transport equipments e.g. buses,cars,rickshaws,motorcycles.So
demand of these are high and hence they are imported from Japan,Italy and other countries.
9.Paper And Paper Products
Before 1971,we had a number of paper mills our eastern wing and our requirements were fulfilled from
the eastern. Although,after 1971 some paper mills were set up in the wster wing,are still deficient in
paper especially in paper for newspaper industry. We have to import a large amount of news print paper
and other kinds of paper from Cnada, Japan, Sweden, U.S.A. etc.
DIRECTION OF TRADE
The global concentration of Pakistan’s trade can be broadly classified to the following major groups of
countries:
1.West European Countries
In this group U.K.,France,W.Germany,Belgium,Nether lands and other Scandinavian countries can be
included:These countries are the main buyers of our export goods e.g. Cotton cloth,carpets, rugs, sports
goods and many other items and we import machines,electric goods,chemicals and various other items
from these countries. Our exports are less in comparison to the imports from these countries and
balance of trade is in favour of these countries.
2.Middle East Countries
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, U.A.E. and other Arab countries can be included in this group.These countries are the
top buyers of our export goods,such as rice,cotton cloth and various other items,but due to oil crises
and Iran-Iraq war,our export to these countries has declined to some extent, but our imports from these
countries have increased enough.We import mineral oil and various other items from these
countries.Thus due to heavy imports from these countries,the balance of trade is in their favour.
3.Asian Countries
Japan,Hong Kong,China,Singapore,Malaysia,Indonesia and various other countries can be included in
this group.Our exports to these countries has been decreasing every year,and imports have increase too
much so due to these circumstance the balance of trade go in the favour of these countries.Japan is the
top buyer of our export goods in Asian countries,but we have to import large amount of
machinery,chemicals,transport equipments and various other items from Japan.Besides Japan we do
trade with others.Asian countries,such as we import palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia and Tea from
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

4.North American Countries

U.S.A.,Mexico,Canada and other countries can be included in this group.The exports of our country to
North American group is not progressive,but we import so many kinds of goods,such as
machinery,electrical goods,soybean oil and requirements for our armed forces and various other
items,and our imports are about three times greater than our exports.So due to all these conditions the
balance of trade remains in favour of these countries.
5.R.C.D. Countries
In this group are included Iran,Turkey and newly Independent Central Asian Republics namely Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmanistan. Pakistani exports to Turkey and Iran are quite
enough.Although all these countries are trying to make their balances of trade favourable,but inspite of
various measures taken by the concerned countries still Pakistan’s imports are greater than exports,so
the balance of trade remains to the favour of these countries.
6.East European Countries
This group includes countries of eastern Europe such as Poland, U.S.S.R., Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia,
Greece and others.Such countries import large amount of our export goods such as rice, cotton cloth,
sports goods,carpets and various other items ,but our imports are comparatively less than our
exports,so balance of trade is in favour of our country.
Besides the above we do trade with so many African,central and South American countries and also the
various Asian and Oceania countries.

SHORT QUESTIONS

1.Area of Pakistan.
Ans.Area of Pakistan is 796095 sq.km. or 310403 miles.
2.Total Population of Pakistan.
Ans.According to the census of March 1991,the local population of Pakistan is 83782000.As on January
1,1992 the population was estimated to be 117.32 million.
3.Important Mountains.
Ans.The Himaliyas,The Karakoram,The Hindukush,The Suleman mountains,Koh Safes etc.
4.Rivers of Pakistan.
Ans.The Indus,the Sutlej,the Ravi ,the Chenab,The Jhelum,River Swat,River Kabul,River Bolan etc.
5.Important “Doabs” of Pakistan.
The land which lies between the two rivers is known as “Doab” e.g.Bari Doab,Rachna Doab,Chaj Doab
and Sind Sagar Doab.
6.The plateaus of Pakistan.
Ans.Potwar Plateau and Baluchistan Plateau.
7.Passes of Pakistan.
Ans.Khyber Pass,Bolan Pass,Tochi Pass,Gomal Pass,Lawari Pass etc.
8.Deserts of Pakistan.
Ans.Thal Desert,Cholistan Desert,Nara Desert and Thar Desert.
9.Climatic regions of Pakistan.
Ans.1.Sub-tropical continental highlands.
2.Sub-tropical continental lowlands.
3.Sub-tropical continental plateau.
4.Tropical coast lands.
10.Climatic Seasons of Pakistan.
Ans.1.Winter Season (from November to February)
2.Summer Season (from March to June)
3.Rainy Season (from July to October)
11.Administrative Divisions of Pakistan.
Ans.Pakistan comprises of four provinces with Federal Capital Islamabad.The Provinces are
Punjab,Sindh,N.W.F.P. and Baluchistan.
12.Dry ports of Pakistan.
Ans.Lahore dry port,Quetta and Sialkot dry ports.
13.Sea ports of Pakistan.
Ans.Karachi port and Port Qasim.
14.Important Dams.
Ans.Mangla dam,Tarbela dam and Warsak dam.
15.Important Barrages.
Ans.Chashma Barrage,Guddu Barrage,Taunsa Barrage,Jinnah Barrage etc.
16.What are the food crops of Pakistan.
Ans.Rice ,Wheat,Barley and Corn.
17.Name the main agricultural products of Pakistan.
Ans.Wheat,Cotton,barley,rice,sugar cane,millets(Jawar and bajra),grams and tobacco.
18.What are the main mineral resources of Pakistan.
Ans.Coal,natural gas,chromite,gypsum,petroleum,iron,ore,rock salt and copper.
19.What are the main industrial centres of Pakistan.
Ans.Karachi,Hyderabad,Faisalabad,Lahore,Multan,Quetta,Rawalpindi,Nowshera,Kotri,Gujranwala,Pesha
war.
20.What are the main industries of Pakistan.
Ans.Cotton Textile Industry,Cement Industry,Sugar Cane Industry,Woolen Textile Industry.
21.Main Imports of Pakistan.
Ans.Mineral Oil,Edible Oil,dyes and colours,machineries,chemicals and drugs,tea,paper.
22.Main exports of Pakistan.
Ans.Cotton cloth,cotton yarn,raw cotton,rice,carpets,rugs,leather,synthetic textile,fish and their
products.