Geography Notes
Geography Notes
Secondary Industries
Definition: Industries that process raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods, encompassing
manufacturing and construction sectors.
Key Sectors:
o Textile Industry:
Significance: Accounts for approximately 60% of Pakistan's total exports, serving as a
cornerstone of the national economy.
Products: Diverse range including cotton yarn, fabrics, ready-made garments, bed linens,
and towels.
Major Centers: Prominent cities such as Karachi, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Sialkot.
Challenges:
Persistent energy crises leading to production interruptions.
Intense competition from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Reliance on imported machinery affecting cost efficiency.
Volatile cotton prices impacting raw material expenses.
o Cement Industry:
Significance: Crucial for infrastructure development; Pakistan stands as a leading cement
producer in the region.
Raw Materials: Primarily limestone, clay, and gypsum.
Major Plants: Located in districts such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Karachi, and Chakwal.
Challenges:
Elevated production costs due to high energy consumption.
Environmental concerns related to emissions and ecological footprint.
Overcapacity issues leading to competitive pricing pressures.
o Sugar Industry:
Significance: Processes sugarcane into refined sugar, playing a vital role in the agrarian
economy.
Major Centers: Regions in Punjab (e.g., Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad) and Sindh (e.g.,
Badin, Thatta).
Challenges:
Irregular sugarcane supply stemming from water shortages and climatic factors.
Delayed payments to farmers causing financial strain and unrest.
Government-imposed price controls affecting industry profitability.
o Fertilizer Industry:
Significance: Supports agriculture by providing essential nutrients; Pakistan is self-
sufficient in urea production.
Major Plants: Situated in areas like Daharki, Multan, and Faisalabad.
Challenges:
Natural gas supply shortages impacting production capacity.
Stringent environmental regulations concerning emissions and waste
management.
Competition from imported fertilizers affecting market share.
Factors Influencing Industrial Location:
Raw Material Proximity: Close access reduces transportation costs and ensures timely supply (e.g.,
textile mills near cotton-growing regions).
Energy Availability: Reliable power sources are crucial; many industries are established near major
power plants or energy hubs.
Transportation Infrastructure: Access to efficient roads, railways, and ports facilitates distribution
and logistics.
Labor Supply: Availability of skilled and unskilled labor influences industrial location decisions.
Market Accessibility: Proximity to urban centers and markets reduces distribution costs and enhances
market reach.
Environmental Impacts:
Pollution: Industrial activities contribute to air and water pollution through emissions and effluents.
Resource Depletion: Overexploitation of natural resources, including water and raw materials.
Waste Management: Challenges in responsibly managing and disposing of industrial waste.
Tertiary Industries
Definition: Service-oriented industries that provide intangible goods and services to consumers and
businesses, encompassing sectors like banking, transportation, education, and healthcare.
Key Sectors:
o Banking and Finance:
Significance: Facilitates economic activities through financial services, including
lending, investment, and wealth management.
Institutions: Central bank (State Bank of Pakistan), commercial banks (e.g., HBL, UBL),
and microfinance institutions.
Challenges:
Promoting financial inclusion, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Managing non-performing loans to maintain financial stability.
Ensuring regulatory compliance and strengthening governance frameworks.
o Transport and Communication:
Significance: Enables the movement of goods and people; essential for trade, commerce,
and daily life.
Modes of Transport:
Road Transport: Extensive network of national highways (e.g., N-5) connecting
major cities and facilitating inland trade.
Railways: Operated by Pakistan Railways, offering passenger and freight services
across the country.
Air Transport: International and domestic flights operating from airports in
major cities (e.g., Jinnah International Airport in Karachi).
Sea Transport: Maritime trade facilitated through ports like Karachi Chapter
10: Trade
Definition: Trade involves the exchange of goods and services between countries
(international trade) or within a country (domestic trade).
Importance of Trade to Pakistan:
Economic Growth: Trade contributes significantly to Pakistan's GDP by
providing markets for surplus production and access to essential imports.
Employment: Generates jobs in various sectors, including manufacturing,
agriculture, and services, thereby reducing unemployment rates.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: Exports provide foreign currency, which is crucial
for importing goods and services not produced domestically.
Major Exports:
Textiles and Garments: Pakistan is renowned for its textile products, including
cotton yarn, fabrics, and ready-made garments.
Agricultural Products: Key exports include rice (notably Basmati), fruits (such
as mangoes and citrus), and vegetables.
Sports Goods: Sialkot is famous for producing high-quality sports equipment,
including footballs and cricket gear.
Leather Products: Export of leather goods like footwear, jackets, and
accessories.
Major Imports:
Petroleum Products: Crude oil and refined petroleum are significant imports due
to domestic energy needs.
Machinery and Equipment: Industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and
appliances to support various sectors.
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Essential for the agricultural and health
sectors.
Edible Oils: Palm oil and soybean oil to meet dietary consumption.
Trade Partners:
Export Destinations:
United States
European Union countries
China
Afghanistan
Import Sources:
China
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
United States
Balance of Trade:
Definition: The difference between the value of a country's exports and imports.
Pakistan's Scenario: Historically, Pakistan has faced a trade deficit, where
imports exceed exports, leading to economic challenges.
Factors Affecting Trade:
Exchange Rates: Fluctuations can make exports cheaper or more expensive for
foreign buyers.
Trade Policies: Tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements influence the flow of goods
and services.
Global Demand: Changes in international markets affect the demand for
Pakistan's exports.
Infrastructure: Efficient ports, transportation, and logistics are vital for smooth
trade operations.
Challenges in Trade:
Energy Shortages: Affecting industrial production and export capacity.
Political Instability: Deterring foreign investment and complicating trade
relations.
Lack of Diversification: Over-reliance on a few export products makes the
economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Compliance with International Standards: Meeting quality and safety
standards to access and maintain foreign markets.
Strategies to Improve Trade:
Diversifying Export Base: Encouraging the production and export of a wider
range of goods and services.
Enhancing Product Quality: Investing in technology and skills to improve the
competitiveness of exports.
Exploring New Markets: Identifying and establishing trade relations with
emerging economies.
Improving Trade Facilitation: Streamlining customs procedures and reducing
bureaucratic hurdles.
Port and Gwadar Port.
Communication:
Telecommunications: Rapid growth in mobile phone usage; major service
providers include PTCL, Jazz, and Telenor.
Internet Services: Increasing penetration with ongoing challenges in