Hydrology (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s agriculture-based economy relies heavily on the Indus River system, one of the world's largest irrigation networks. The country’s hydrology is dominated by the mighty Indus and its tributaries, supported by a network of massive dams and barrages that provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.

• The Indus River System: The primary river system, including the Indus and its five eastern tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Beas).
• Western Tributaries: Rivers flowing from the West, including the Kabul, Gomal, and Kurram rivers.
• Lakes: Natural and man-made inland water bodies (e.g., Manchar, Saif-ul-Malook).
• Dams & Barrages: Engineering structures for water storage and regulation (e.g., Tarbela, Mangla).

• The Indus River is often called the "Nile of Pakistan" due to its life-giving role in the region's agriculture.
• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), mediated by the World Bank, gave Pakistan control over the three western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• The confluence of the five Punjab rivers occurs at Panjnad near Mithankot, where they meet the Indus.
• Tarbela Dam is the world's largest earth-filled dam and the largest in terms of structural volume.
• Manchar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia, located in the Jamshoro and Dadu districts of Sindh.

• Q: Which is the longest river in Pakistan?
• A: The Indus River (3,180 km).
• Q: Name the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan.
• A: Manchar Lake.
• Q: On which river is the Tarbela Dam built?
• A: The Indus River.
• Q: In which year was the Indus Waters Treaty signed?
• A: 1960.

"Which of the following dams is the largest earth-filled dam in the world and is located on the Indus River in Pakistan?"

A) Mangla Dam

B) Warsak Dam

C) Tarbela Dam

D) Diamer-Bhasha Dam

(Correct: C - Tarbela Dam)