Test: Afghanistan, Bhutan , Pakistan and Myanmar - 3 - UPSC MCQ

The major political divisions of Pakistan are the Provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Northwest Frontier (also known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Azad Kashmir.

The Thar Desert and Lower Indus Valley, located in the southernmost province of Sindh, consists largely of arid valleys and rocky hills that extend into neighboring India.

The Balochistan Plateau is a broad, arid tableland that lies between 1,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level in the western province of Balochistan. It is encircled by rugged mountains and covers nearly one-half of the country's territory.

The province of Punjab, which comprises the northeastern quarter of Pakistan, is known as the "five waters" in Persian. This name refers to the five major rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej) that flow through the Indus Basin, which is predominantly located in Punjab.

The Northwest Frontier is a region of barren mountains sheltering rich irrigated valleys. The provincial capital of Peshawar, which is part of this region, is situated on an ancient trade route that leads through the Khyber Pass and into Afghanistan.

The Far North region of Pakistan offers the most spectacular scenery with towering snowcapped mountains, deep narrow valleys, and glaciers. It is home to K-2, the world's second-highest mountain, along with other peaks of more than 25,000 feet elevation, including Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrun, and Rakaposhi.

The Khyber Pass in Pakistan serves as a traditional invasion route between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. It is an important historical and strategic passageway.

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, experiences a distinct winter season with daytime temperatures of 60°F or less and cold nights. It may also have light frosts during this season.

The majority of rainfall in Pakistan occurs during the summer monsoon season, which spans from July to September. However, some parts of the Punjab and the Northwest Frontier also experience a moderate winter rainy season.

The percentage of arable land in Pakistan is 26.0%. This indicates the portion of land suitable for cultivation and agriculture.