Land and people

1. Land and People of Pakistan
Updated University Lecture (2025)
By Bilal Saeed

2. Introduction
• • Definition and scope of the topic
• • Importance of geography and demography
in Pakistan
• • Relationship between land, resources, and
people
• • Relevance in contemporary issues (CPEC,
climate change, urbanization)

3. Physical Geography of Pakistan
• • Geostrategic position (South Asia, Central
Asia, Middle East)
• • Physiographic Divisions:
• - Northern Mountains (Karakoram,
Himalayas, Hindu Kush, K2)
• - Western Highlands (Sulaiman, Kirthar,
Balochistan Plateau)
• - Indus Plain (agricultural hub)
• - Coastal Areas (Karachi, Gwadar)

4. Demography of Pakistan
• • Population (2023 Census: ~241 million, 5th
most populous)
• • Urbanization: Karachi > 20 million, Lahore
~13 million
• • Rural majority but rapid urban migration
• • Youth bulge: ~64% below age 30
• • Literacy rate: ~63% (Urban ~74%, Rural
~49%)
• • Gender disparity persists

5. Ethnic, Linguistic, and Cultural
Diversity
• • Major Ethnic Groups:
• - Punjabis (44%), Pashtuns (15%), Sindhis
(14%), Saraikis (8%), Baloch (4%), Muhajirs
(7%)
• • Languages: Urdu (national), English (official),
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki
• • Cultural heritage: Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila,
Lahore Fort, Makli Tombs
• • Folk traditions: music, poetry, crafts, cuisine

6. Historical Context
• • Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-Daro,
Harappa)
• • Gandhara Civilization (Taxila, Buddhist
heritage)
• • Islamic conquests and Mughal culture
• • Colonial period: land revenue, migration,
urban centers
• • 1947 Partition: massive migration reshaping
demographics

7. Contemporary Issues
• • Geo-strategic importance (CPEC, Gwadar,
Afghan border)
• • Environmental challenges: floods (2022),
glacial melt, droughts
• • Population growth pressure
• • Ethnic diversity and integration challenges
• • Economic struggles: trade deficit, inflation,
IMF programs

8. Conclusion
• • Pakistan’s geography and people are sources
of both strength and challenge
• • Land shapes livelihoods; people shape
culture and politics
• • National unity depends on managing
diversity and resources
• • Future depends on sustainable
development, inclusive growth, and education