Pakistan

Landscape

Pakistan extends from very high northern mountains to the Arabian Sea. The Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush meet in the north, while the Indus River system creates a broad agricultural plain farther south. Western areas include rugged plateaus and dry basins.

Glaciers and steep valleys dominate parts of the north. Downstream, the Indus crosses lower country and reaches the sea through a delta. Desert regions, including parts of the Thar, form another important contrast to the river-fed plains.

Climate & seasons

Much of Pakistan is dry, but climate varies greatly between the Indus plain and the northern mountains. High elevations have severe cold and snow, while the lowlands have hot summers.

Mountain water

Snow and glacier melt combine with seasonal rain to supply major rivers. Irrigation depends heavily on this water system. Mountain hazards, river flooding and coastal conditions affect different regions in different ways.