FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Coastline & Ports in Pakistan
Physical Geography of Pakistan
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
25 MCQs
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1–20
of 25 MCQs
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1
What is the total length of Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea?
Answer:
1,046 km
Pakistan possesses a coastline of approximately 1,046 kilometers (650 miles). It is divided into two main sections: the Sindh coast, which is about 250 km long, and the Makran coast in Balochistan, which spans about 796 km.
2
Which province of Pakistan has the longest coastline?
Answer:
Balochistan
Balochistan has the longest coastline in Pakistan, stretching nearly 800 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. This region, known as the Makran Coast, is characterized by its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and strategic deep-sea locations like Gwadar.
3
Which is the oldest and largest natural seaport in Pakistan?
Answer:
Karachi Port
The Port of Karachi is Pakistan's oldest and busiest seaport, handling approximately 60% of the nation's total cargo. It is a deep-water natural harbor protected by the Manora breakwater and has been a vital trade hub since the 19th century.
4
Port Muhammad Bin Qasim was established in 1980 primarily to handle which type of cargo?
Answer:
Bulk cargo and industrial raw materials
Port Qasim was developed as Pakistan's second-largest port to relieve pressure on Karachi Port. It specializes in handling bulk cargo, such as coal, iron ore for Pakistan Steel Mills, and liquid chemicals, including LNG and oil.
5
Gwadar Port is strategically significant due to its proximity to which major global shipping lane?
Answer:
The Strait of Hormuz
Gwadar is situated at the apex of the Arabian Sea, very close to the Strait of Hormuz. This location is critical because about one-third of the world's sea-borne oil passes through the strait, making Gwadar a potential global transshipment and energy hub.
6
Which island serves as a natural breakwater and protective barrier for the Karachi harbor?
Answer:
Manora Island
Manora Island is a small peninsula/island that provides a natural protective shield for the Karachi Port against the high waves of the Arabian Sea. It is home to a historic lighthouse and the headquarters of the Pakistan Navy's fleet.
7
Astola Island, located off the coast of Balochistan, is Pakistan's first:
Answer:
Marine Protected Area (MPA)
Astola Island (Jezira Haft Talar) was declared Pakistan's first Marine Protected Area in 2017. It is an uninhabited island known for its unique biodiversity, coral reefs, and as a nesting ground for the endangered Green Sea Turtle.
8
What is the total area of Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) including the extended continental shelf?
Answer:
290,000 sq km
Following a 2015 UN commission ruling, Pakistan's continental shelf was extended by 150 miles. This increased the total maritime area (EEZ) from 240,000 sq km to approximately 290,000 sq km, granting Pakistan exclusive rights over seabed resources in that area.
9
Which national highway runs along the coastline, connecting Karachi with Gwadar?
Answer:
N-10
The N-10 National Highway, famously known as the Makran Coastal Highway, is a 653 km long road that connects Karachi with Gwadar. It has been instrumental in the economic development of coastal towns like Ormara and Pasni.
10
The Jinnah Naval Base, the second-largest naval base in Pakistan, is located at:
Answer:
Ormara
The Jinnah Naval Base is situated at Ormara in Balochistan. It was built to provide a strategic alternative to the Karachi Naval Base and is tucked into a natural harbor that offers excellent protection and deep-water access for naval vessels.
11
Which ancient port, often associated with the landing of Muhammad bin Qasim, is located in the Indus Delta?
Answer:
Debal
Debal was an ancient port city near modern-day Karachi or Bhanbhore. It was the first major city captured by the Umayyad general Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 AD, marking the start of the Islamic era in the Indian subcontinent.
12
The Sir Creek dispute between Pakistan and India involves a maritime boundary in which region?
Answer:
The Rann of Kutch
Sir Creek is a 96-km tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch marshlands. The dispute between Pakistan and India centers on the interpretation of the boundary line (whether it follows the eastern bank or the center of the channel), which affects the maritime economic zones of both countries.
13
Which coastal town is the westernmost settlement in Pakistan, located near the border with Iran?
Answer:
Jiwani
Jiwani is a commercial port and town located at the extreme western end of Pakistan's coastline in Balochistan. It is situated on the eastern side of Gwatar Bay, near the border with Iran, and is known for its biodiversity and turtle conservation programs.
14
Which island near Karachi is a popular spot for snorkeling and is known for its coral reefs?
Answer:
Churna Island
Churna Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Arabian Sea, about 9 km from Hub and near the Mubarak Village area of Karachi. It is a major hub for scuba diving, snorkeling, and recreational fishing due to its clear waters and coral reefs.
15
What is the primary ecological importance of the Indus River Delta along the Sindh coast?
Answer:
It hosts the largest arid-climate mangrove forests in the world
The Indus Delta is famous for its extensive mangrove forests, which are among the largest arid-climate mangroves globally. They protect the coast from erosion, serve as a nursery for shrimp and fish, and mitigate the impact of tsunamis and cyclones.
16
In 1958, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from which country for approximately $3 million?
Answer:
Oman
Gwadar was an overseas possession of the Sultanate of Oman for nearly 200 years. Following successful negotiations led by Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon, Pakistan officially purchased the territory on September 8, 1958, integrating it into the Balochistan province.
17
Which port in Sindh is a major center for the local fishing industry and is located near the Indus River's mouth?
Answer:
Keti Bandar
Keti Bandar is a historical port in the Thatta District. While its importance for international shipping has declined due to siltation, it remains a vital center for the local fishing economy and has been proposed for development as a coal-handling terminal.
18
The 'Cape Monze' (also known as Ras Muari) is a landmark on the coastline of which city?
Answer:
Karachi
Cape Monze is a headland located at the western end of the Karachi coastline. It is the point where the Kirthar mountain range meets the Arabian Sea and is a popular site for lighthouses and recreational activities.
19
Which authority is responsible for managing Port Muhammad Bin Qasim?
Answer:
Port Qasim Authority (PQA)
The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) was established under an Act of Parliament in 1973. It operates as a landlord port, providing the channel and basic infrastructure while private companies manage specific terminals for LNG, coal, and oil.
20
Which coastal wetland in Pakistan is a designated Ramsar site of international importance?
Answer:
All of the above
Pakistan has several coastal Ramsar sites, including Miani Hor (a swampy lagoon), the Jiwani Coastal Wetland (nesting site for turtles), and the massive Indus Delta. These sites are recognized globally for their ecological significance and biodiversity.
