Where is Balochistan?

1. Where is Balochistan located and what is its area?
Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan, located in the southwestern part of the country. It covers a total area of approximately 347,190 square kilometers, which accounts for about 44% of Pakistan’s total land area. It shares borders with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to the north, Sindh to the east, the Arabian Sea to the south, and Iran and Afghanistan to the west. Quetta is its capital and largest city. Balochistan holds significant strategic importance due to its location, connecting Pakistan with Central Asia, West Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Most of the region is desert and mountainous, resulting in a very low population density.

2. What is the geographical structure and climate of Balochistan?
Balochistan’s geography is predominantly mountainous, with prominent ranges such as the Sulaiman, Kirthar, and Chagai Mountains. There are also several plateau regions, especially around Quetta and Kalat. The climate ranges from semi-arid to arid. Summer temperatures can reach up to 45°C, while in winter, many areas experience temperatures below 0°C. Rainfall is scarce, averaging less than 200 mm annually. The region has many dry riverbeds locally known as “Naal.” These geographical and climatic features make Balochistan a harsh yet resource-rich area.

3. What are the major natural resources found in Balochistan?
Balochistan is rich in natural resources and is a major source of Pakistan’s mineral wealth. It has significant reserves of coal, copper, gold, uranium, and natural gas. The Saindak and Reko Diq mines are internationally recognized. The Sui gas field is Pakistan’s largest, supplying a substantial portion of the country’s gas needs. In addition, the region has abundant deposits of chromite, magnesite, iron, and marble. Despite this diversity of resources, industrial development and basic infrastructure remain limited, preventing the full realization of its economic potential.