Geography: Class 8

The City School

Handout 2: Topic: Location of Pakistan and Our Regional Neighbours
Subtopic: Neighbouring Countries of Pakistan
Name: _____________________________ Class: _____________________________

Learning Objective:
1.2.3: Identify the neighbours of Pakistan

Iran: In the south west, Pakistan bordered Iran which is in Middle East. The Pakistan-Iran border, also known
as the Iran-Pakistan border, is an international boundary that separates Pakistan and Iran. It extends over
approximately 959 kilometers (596 miles) through diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and

plateaus. The border is of significant geopolitical importance, as it connects South Asia with the Middle East.
It serves as a crucial link for trade and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Iran, facilitating the
movement of goods and people across the two countries. Both Pakistan and Iran share historical and cultural
ties, making the border region a melting pot of diverse traditions and influences. The region is known for its
unique blend of languages, cuisine, and customs, reflecting the rich heritage of the people living along the
border.

Afghanistan: In the north west, Pakistan bordered Afghanistan. In the west Pakistan shares border with
Afghanistan which is called Durand line. Durand line is 2430 km long border named after sir Mortimer
Durand who established it after an agreement with Abdur Rahman Khan who was Amir of Afghanistan from
1880 to his death in 1901. He is known for uniting the country after years of internal fighting and negotiation
of the Durand Line Agreement with British India.

China: The Pakistan-China border is an international boundary that separates Pakistan and China. It stretches
over approximately 560 kilometers (350 miles) through some of the most challenging and rugged terrains in
the world. The border is situated in the northern regions of both countries, crossing through the
mountainous landscapes of the Karakoram Range and the Himalayas. The border is strategically significant as
it forms an essential part of the ancient Silk Road and serves as a vital link in modern-day trade and
connectivity between Pakistan and China. The two countries share a strong and long-standing friendship, and
their cooperation has led to significant infrastructure projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC), which aims to improve regional connectivity and promote economic development. Both Pakistan and
China view their border as a symbol of their strong bilateral ties and mutually beneficial strategic partnership.
The region surrounding the Pak-China border is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and it has
become an increasingly popular destination for adventure tourism and trekking, attracting visitors from
around the world.

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 Geography: Class 8

The City School

India: Pakistan-India border, also known as the Indo-Pak border, is an international boundary that separates
Pakistan and India. It is one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world, stretching over
approximately 3,323 kilometers (2,065 miles) through diverse terrains, including plains, deserts, and
mountains. The border has a complex and tumultuous history, marked by multiple conflicts and tensions
between the two countries. Partitioned in 1947, the border has witnessed several wars and skirmishes, most
notably the 1947 Indo-Pak War, the 1965 War, the 1971 War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict. Despite the
conflicts, the border also serves as a critical link for trade and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan
and India. Various border crossings and trade routes allow for limited trade and exchange of goods between
the two nations. The region surrounding the Pakistan-India border is home to diverse cultures and
communities, reflecting the shared history and heritage of the people living on both sides. Despite the
political tensions, there are numerous efforts from civil society organizations and individuals to foster peace
and understanding between the two nations. While the Pakistan-India border remains a contentious issue, it
is essential to recognize the potential it holds for regional cooperation and stability. Efforts to promote
dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes continue to be crucial in creating an environment of trust and
cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Arabian Sea: The Arabian Sea border is of immense importance to Pakistan due to its strategic location and
its potential for economic and geopolitical advantages. As a country with a coastline of approximately 1,046
kilometers along the Arabian Sea, Pakistan enjoys direct access to one of the world's major maritime trade
routes. The Arabian Sea serves as a vital gateway for Pakistan's international trade and maritime activities.
The country's major seaports, such as Karachi Port and Port Qasim, facilitate the movement of goods, import,
and export to and from different parts of the world. These ports play a crucial role in boosting Pakistan's
economy by supporting trade and commerce and generating employment opportunities. In addition to trade,
the Arabian Sea also offers opportunities for exploration and exploitation of marine resources. Pakistan's
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Arabian Sea provides access to valuable fisheries and the potential for
offshore oil and gas exploration, contributing to the country's energy security and economic growth. The
Arabian Sea coast is also essential for the development of coastal tourism and recreational activities. The
coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan attract both local and international tourists, promoting the hospitality
and leisure industries. From a strategic perspective, the Arabian Sea provides Pakistan with maritime security
challenges and opportunities. The country's navy is responsible for safeguarding its coastal waters and
protecting maritime interests. The Arabian Sea's proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for
international oil shipments, further enhances Pakistan's geopolitical significance in the region. Overall,
Pakistan's border with the Arabian Sea is a valuable asset that contributes significantly to the country's
economic growth, trade, energy security, and strategic importance in the Indian Ocean region. It plays a
pivotal role in shaping Pakistan's national and regional interests, making it an essential element of the
country's maritime strategy and development.

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