Pakistan’s Core: Ideology, Geography, and Demographics

Posted on Jul 19, 2025 in Geography

Understanding Pakistan’s Foundations

Defining Ideology: Scholarly Perspectives

Ideology is a fundamental concept. It refers to a collection of ideas, beliefs, and values that show how people think and act within a society or a nation. According to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: “The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas, i.e., the class which is the ruling material force of society is at the same time its ruling intellectual force.”

Sources of Pakistan’s Ideology

Pakistan’s Ideology draws from various sources that have contributed to its formation. The main sources of Pakistan’s Ideology include:

• Islamic Faith
• Two-Nation Theory
• Democratic Principles
• Economic Disparities
• Emphasis on Indigenous Identity

Defining the Two-Nation Theory

The Two-Nation Theory posited that Muslims and Hindus were distinct nations with different customs, cultures, traditions, beliefs, and identities. This theory served as a key basis for the creation of Pakistan. It viewed the Two-Nation Theory through the Islamic perspective; it projects a unique character and disposition.

Quaid-e-Azam’s Vision for Pakistan

Muhammad Ali Jinnah is remembered as a significant figure in Pakistan’s history, revered for his steadfast belief in creating a separate Muslim nation from British India. As the “Father of the Nation,” Quaid-e-Azam envisioned a country where religious freedom was upheld, and citizens worked together for the betterment of the nation. He believed that Islam was the unifying force of the Muslim Millet.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Role in Pakistan Movement

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s ideas found resonance in key events that shaped the Pakistan Movement: Allama Iqbal, deeply influenced by Sir Syed’s vision, articulated the concept of Muslims as a distinct cultural and political entity. His famous address in 1930 outlined the vision for a separate Muslim state.

Key Events: Pakistan Movement Timeline (1900-1947)

The years spanning 1900 to 1947 represent a pivotal epoch toward independence:

1. Partition of Bengal (1905)
2. The Simla Deputation (1906)
3. The Birth of All India Muslim League (1906)
4. Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
5. Lucknow Pact (1916)
6. The Simon Commission (1927)
7. Nehru Report (1928)
8. Jinnah’s Fourteen Points (1929)
9. Congress Ministries (1937)
10. Lahore Resolution (1940)
11. Simla Conference (1945)
12. General Election (1945-46)
13. 3rd June Plan (1947)
14. Independence and Partition (1947)

Pakistan’s Geographical Landscape

Pakistan’s Location and Cultural Diversity

Pakistan’s geographical location holds great importance as it is situated at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, serving as a pivotal bridge connecting these regions. This location helps shape its cultural diversity through shared cultural and historical values by interaction with regional people.

Islamabad’s Climate and Geographical Setting

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is located in the northern part of the country in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a planned city. Its location amidst scenic mountains provides a pleasant climate and makes it a popular tourist destination.

Indo-Pak Border: Radcliffe Line

The Radcliffe Line (working boundaries) is the name of the Indo-Pak border, and its total length is 1600 km.

Arabian Sea’s Economic Role for Pakistan

The Makran coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea to the south. It hosts vital ports like Karachi and Gwadar, serving as gateways for international trade and enhancing marine connectivity.

Lahore’s Geographical and Cultural Significance

Lahore is an ancient city on the east bank of the Ravi River and Wagah, the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan. It is the capital of Punjab. It is a modern city but also contains old architecture such as Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, etc. The city is also a hub of industries and commercial activities. Lahore is the center of culture, education, and literary activities.

Defining Cardinal Points

The four chief directions of the compass or maps are based on primary directions: East, West, North, South.

Understanding Geo-Strategic Significance

Geo-strategic significance means the importance of a country or a region by virtue of its geographical location.

Understanding Geo-Political Significance

Geo-political significance means the influence of geographical factors like Location, Climate, Natural Resources, Population, and Physical Landscape that determine a state’s foreign policy options and its position with other countries.

Mountains and Deserts of Pakistan

Northern Mountain Ranges of Pakistan

Northern Pakistan is home to the world’s three famous mountain ranges — the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. The area is blessed with high mountains, landscapes, lakes, glaciers, passes, and valleys with breathtaking views.

Distinctions of Pakistan’s Deserts: Thar, Thal, Kharan

Comparing Northeastern and Western Mountains

Environment’s Influence on Pakistan’s Settlements

The physical environment has influenced the location, population density, and development of cities. It has had a profound influence on human activities, cultural traditions, and the overall development of the country. From agriculture and pastoralism to trade and urban development, the country’s diverse landscapes, climatic conditions, and natural resources have shaped the way people live, work, and interact with their surroundings.

Pakistan’s Climatic Zones

Pakistan’s Four Climatic Zones and Key Differences

Due to diverse topographical regions, the climate of different places within a country is classified under a common category. The divisions are:

• Highland Climate: This region includes northern, northwestern, and western highlands. Winters are long, cold, and snowy with frigid temperatures.
• Lowland Climate: This refers to plains areas of Pakistan located in Punjab and Sindh, except the coastal areas. In these areas, summers are arid and winters are mild to cool.
• Desert or Arid Climate: Desert areas, i.e., Kharan, Cholistan, Thal, and Thar, experience dry and hot summers and receive scanty rainfall throughout the year.
• Coastal or Maritime Climate: This region stretches from the Rann of Kutch in the Pakistan-India border, Karachi, to the Makran coast. The region has a maritime climate year-round with sea breezes.

Characteristics of Pakistan’s Desert Climate

Aridity refers to low precipitation and low moisture in the environment. The desert areas, i.e., Kharan, Cholistan, Thal, and Thar, experience dry and hot summers and receive scanty rainfall throughout the year. During the day, hot and dusty winds blow. Dust storms are a permanent feature of the desert climate that temporarily lower the temperature. Winters are cold with a minimum temperature of 4°C.

Pothwar Plateau: Climate Challenges for Farmers

The Potohar Plateau, which is a rainfed area also called ‘Barani Land’, receives moderate rainfall, ranging from 500 to 1,000 mm per year. This is enough rainfall to support crop production, but farmers have to manage the water resources during dry years. Farmers need to rely on irrigation to supplement the rainfall. Rainfall plays an important role in agriculture, water storage, and groundwater recharge; it helps to replenish water reservoirs.

Coastal Climate vs. Other Zones in Pakistan

The region of coastal climate stretches from the Rann of Kutch in Pakistan. This region has a maritime climate with sea breezes year-round. The proximity to the sea results in high humidity, particularly between April to September. Very little rainfall is experienced in the monsoon. Some rainfall is received from western depressions.

Causes of Summer River Floods in Pakistan

Thunderstorms in Pakistan are most common in the summer months of April to June. A river flood is a natural disaster that occurs when a river overflows its banks and inundates the surrounding land. Although floods deposit fresh nutrients and spread a layer of alluvium in wetlands and the Indus delta and recharge groundwater, floods also have massive devastating effects on natural and human resources. There are some natural and human reasons for river floods in Pakistan.

Rainfall and Temperature: Karachi vs. Lahore

Convectional rainfall does not take place in the areas south of Pakistan because of the temperature inversion layers, which is why Karachi does not receive convectional rainfall during the summer months. Lahore, located in the north, has a hot semi-arid climate. Temperatures vary greatly throughout the seasons, from hot summers to cold winters. Rainfall, primarily in the monsoon season, is more abundant than in Karachi. On the other hand, Karachi, a coastal city in the south, has an arid climate.

Development of Monsoon Winds in Arabian Sea

The word ‘monsoon’ comes from the Arabic word “mausim,” which means “season.” The Arabian Sea monsoon rains are caused when overactive monsoon winds blow across southeast of Pakistan and bring rain to the coastal areas. The Arabian Sea monsoon provides water for agriculture and replenishes groundwater supplies. However, the monsoon rains also cause flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. This is because monsoons are seasonal winds that reverse their direction twice a year.

Water Resources and Irrigation Systems

Positive Impacts of Water Reservoirs

Hydroelectric power generation, flood control, irrigation, and other sustainable solutions all benefit greatly from the use of dams, barrages, canals, and water reservoirs. However, they could also have an impact on human activities, the environment, industry, and agriculture.

Defining Irrigation: Methods and Purpose

Irrigation is the process of applying water to soil and land artificially in order to promote the growth of plants and crops. Especially in regions with low or irregular rainfall, it is an essential agricultural method used to supply appropriate moisture to plants. The main goal of irrigation is to provide water to agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and other cultivated areas. The irrigation system can vary, from straightforward techniques like using buckets or hoses to more complicated ones like drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and flood irrigation.

Dams’ Role in Flood Control

Water reservoirs are constructed to control water flow and lessen the likelihood of flooding in communities downstream. It also promotes public safety and property preservation by reducing the damaging effects of flooding on infrastructure, crops, and communities.

Understanding Salinity and Waterlogging

Salinity: Irrigation water has a high salt content, and over time, poor drainage and management can result in salinity of the soil, which lowers agricultural yields and soil fertility.

Waterlogging: In waterlogging, the water table rises to the root zone of crops and damages them. It is a result of improperly maintained irrigation systems.

Advantages of Pakistan’s Irrigation System

Pakistan’s extensive irrigation system offers a number of important benefits:

1. Improved Agricultural Productivity: By supplying a steady supply of water, the irrigation system enables agricultural cultivation, dramatically increasing agricultural productivity.
2. Food Security: In order to ensure food security for Pakistan’s rapidly expanding population, the irrigation system’s consistent water supply is essential.
3. Economic Development: Agriculture contributes to the GDP of the nation and is an important economic factor in Pakistan.
4. Flood Control: The irrigation system includes some flood-control mechanisms, such as dams like Tarbela and Mangla.
5. Support for Livestock: By supplying drinking water and grazing for animals, reliable water sources benefit livestock farming.

Seasonal Fluctuations in Water Flow

These elements cause different seasonal variations and fluctuations in the quantity and quality of water.

• The Monsoon Season (July to September): It is the most crucial time for Pakistan’s water flow. The southwest monsoon, especially in the north and west, brings downpours that contribute to a rise in river flow and aid reservoir restocking. During this time, there is a noticeable rise in the amount of water.
• Winter and Spring (October to April): Most of Pakistan experiences comparatively little rainfall during the winter and spring months. However, water from melting snow helps to keep the flow somewhat steady.

Population Dynamics and Migration

Population Density Variations in Pakistan

Natural factors play an important role in this issue. For example, lofty mountains in the north, where the temperature remains below freezing, heavy snowfalls, and frequent landslides, lead to low population. Examples of such areas are Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush, along with valleys. People move to warmer areas due to lack of development and job opportunities, such as Kohat, Bannu, and Waziristan in KPK. Balochistan has low population density due to the rugged terrain, low rainfall, poor transport links, and lack of industrial development. Desert areas of Sindh also have low density of population due to lack of basic resources. In contrast to this, Punjab and Sindh provinces have higher densities of population due to flat and fertile land, moderate rainfall, reliable water from the River Indus and its tributaries, lakes, and canals. Human resources have contributed to urbanization.

Rural-Urban Migration: Push and Pull Factors

Migration occurs because of differences in resources and lifestyle. Cities have better facilities of infrastructure, education, health, sanitation, housing, recreation, and better-paid jobs. These facilities are known as PULL factors, which act like a magnet, drawing people to the cities. On the other hand, the limited resources of rural areas force or PUSH people to leave their homes. They have large families, and the land is unable to meet their needs; overgrazing and drought make the land they depend on for food unproductive, which forces them to urban areas to fulfill their needs. Furthermore, they do not have access to the latest technology and are dependent on primitive tools and methods, which contributes to low yield of crops per acre.

Importance of Seasonal Migration in Pakistan

1. Transhumance: In lofty mountains in the north, where the temperature remains below freezing and heavy snowfalls make it too difficult for people to remain there, they move to the surrounding low-lying areas.
2. Nomadism: Nomadic people, with their cattle, move from one area to another in search of food and water. Livestock farming is common in dry areas of Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh, such as the Thal, Kharan, and Cholistan deserts. These are their source of food and income. They sell meat and milk and use animals for transport.
3. Migration for Harvesting: People who have moved from rural areas to urban areas for small and low-paid jobs move back to their villages to help out with harvesting, transporting, and storing of crops. This way, they can also take a share of the crops for their needs and make supplementary income.

Causes of Population Growth in Pakistan

People like to have large families for work, and they are not always aware of the problems of large families. They believe in early marriages due to primitive lifestyles. Some people believe that God promises to meet all human needs. People wish to have more sons, as they perceive them to be an economic support. Many people do not send their children to school due to poverty. They do not believe in family planning systems and have not been convinced enough for small families. These welfare programs have also suffered because of the frequent changes in government policies. Due to better medical facilities and better hygiene, the death rate is decreasing, leading to an increase in population growth in the country.

Harmful Impacts of Rural-Urban Migration

As rural migrants flock to urban centers, cities often experience population surges that lead to overcrowding. This puts immense strain on existing infrastructure, housing, transportation networks, and public services, resulting in challenges related to sanitation, waste management, and traffic congestion. People who move think that they will have a better quality of life. However, they face many challenges, and the people who move there do not always have a better quality of life. Some of the challenges people may face include: social issues, poor housing conditions, and much higher crime rates.

Discouraging Rural-Urban Migration: Measures

Rural-urban migration should be controlled by providing better facilities of infrastructure, education, health, sanitation, housing, recreation, and better-paid jobs. Electricity, safe drinking water, and encouragement for people to develop more small-scale industries in rural areas are crucial. Housing schemes may be planned by private and public sectors with better facilities for the people. The government should also introduce schemes at subsidized rates to accommodate more and more people according to their needs.