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Pakistan is the home to several major rivers and lakes, which are vital and crucial to the country’s agriculture, economy, irrigation, water supply and tourism industry, contributing to the overall ecosystem and livelihood of the population and natural beauty. These rivers and lakes play a crucial role in Pakistan’s agriculture. Pakistan has a great network of rivers, whereby Indus River being most significant & longest & important river with length of 3,180 km (1,976 miles), Jhelum River with 813 km (505 miles), Chenab River with 1,080 km (671 miles), Ravi has 720 km (447 miles), Beas River has 470 km (292 miles), Sutlej River has 1,500 km (930 miles), Kabul River has 700 km (430 miles), Swat River has 130 km (81 miles), Luni River has 450 km (280 miles) and beautiful & historic ecological, economic and recreational valued lakes as Manchar Lake has the size of 250 square km, keenjhar Lake with 54 square km, Ratti Gali Lake 2 square km, Lulusar Lake with small size, Attabad Lake with 21 square km, Saif-ul-Malook Lake with small size, Dal Lake 24 square km, Hanna Lake with small size and Wular Lake with 130 square km, whereby from some of them, has have the potential for cargo transportation due to their size, navigability, and proximity to key economic hubs as like Indus River which is the longest river in Pakistan, it has long history of being used for transporting goods, particularly bulk commodities like grain, coal, and cement. However, navigability issues such as fluctuating water levels and limited infrastructure for modern shipping can restrict its full potential. The Chenab may be used for cargo transportation, particularly in areas, where the river has wide and deep channels. The Ravi and Sutlej reivers are also good theoretically for cargo transportation in certain sections, however, its navigability is limited, and it is not used extensively for large-scale cargo movement as they face challenges related to its flow and infrastructure development after having the waterflow in accordance. The Pakistan’s rivers have the potential to support cargo transport, infrastructure development such as ports, river navigation systems, and regular maintenance are necessary for maximizing their use. The potential for transporting heavy logistics on Pakistani rivers is influenced by several factors, including river depth, width, water flow, and infrastructure. However, it is important to note that inland river transport is generally not as widely developed or utilized in Pakistan as it is in some other countries.
The large barges or vessels could carry several thousand tons of goods, though flow depends on seasonal changes (e.g., floods during the monsoon). This fluctuation affects the river’s navigability and the amount of cargo that can be transported. More so, in many parts, the river is deep and wide enough to support cargo vessels, but in others, shallow sections may limit larger vessels. The actual capacity would depend on ongoing improvements in infrastructure and river maintenance such as modern river ports, navigation systems, and a fleet of suitable vessels, reduces the efficiency and volume of goods that can be transported. Therefore, the restructuring the modern infrastructure is needed to be developed for multiple purposes as it has great protentional in various areas of modern business as well as the availability of specialized vessels (barges, tugboats) that can carry heavy loads efficiently. A regular and operation authority is needed to be formulated to meet and beat the challenges of the day in the name of the humanity and humanism. At the moment Pakistan don’t hold the adequate infostructure inland water transport system, which is not fully developed to handle heavy logistics on a regular basis. The lack of modern ports, ships, variability of water levels and navigation systems poses a major limitation. A small investment would bring a heavy profit.
Apart from the logistic transportations, those sources (rivers & lakes) hold the freshwater & fish and do host a variety of fish species, and there are also areas where brackish or saline waters allow for certain types of seafood production as Indus is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish species, including Indus dolphins, catfish, and river and trout. Some rivers near the coastal areas (Makran coast) can sometimes carry brackish water. The Keenjhar Lake has wide variety of freshwater fish species and it supports a significant freshwater fish industry, including catfish and tilapia. The Manchar Lake is the home to several species of freshwater fish, including carp, catfish, and tilapia having the major source of fish for local communities. The Hanna Lake supports freshwater fishing activities. Pakistan’s coastline along the Arabian Sea is about 1,046 kilometers long, where traditional seafood (saltwater fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life) is primarily sourced, including fish and seafood such as prawns, shrimp, crabs, and various species of saltwater fish and some areas are known for rich marine life. Gwadar also supports a significant fishing industry, particularly for marine seafood like shrimps and various fish species. the coastal towns are also important hubs for marine seafood production, particularly for fish and shrimp. Pakistan is home to several rivers and lakes that are not only important for their ecological and economic value but also for their natural beauty and health benefits.
Many of these water bodies are surrounded by stunning landscapes, grounded by gems and gold, offering serene environments that contribute to their aesthetic and therapeutic appeal. The Indus River is lifeblood of Pakistan, flowing through diverse landscapes, from the lush green plains of Punjab to the arid deserts of Sindh and the towering mountains in the north, surrounded by scenic valleys and dramatic mountain views, making it a captivating sight, particularly in areas like Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan. Its clean, fresh water is essential for agriculture and communities. The peaceful and pristine environments along the riverbanks, particularly in northern regions, have therapeutic qualities that are conducive to relaxation and wellness.
The Chenab is flowing through the Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, winds through picturesque landscapes, including verdant farmlands, forests, and small towns having scenic specialty, provide a peaceful environment, clean air & water. The Ravi is flowing through Punjab, offers a beautiful landscape, its banks are lined with agricultural lands, small villages, and historic sites, creating a charming rural landscape, having unique aesthetic appeal with its meandering flow and wide stretch with peaceful environment. The Jhelum is known for its serene and tranquil flow through Kashmir Valley and the hilly regions of Punjab, scenic surroundings include lush green forests, valleys, and majestic mountains, projects the cooler climate and picturesque landscapes with positive impact on physical and mental health provides the clean air and serene surroundings are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Swat River is known for its crystal-clear waters and the stunning mountainous backdrop, also known as major tourist attraction due to its scenic beauty, cool & refreshing environment, clean air, tranquil surroundings, promotes physical well-being provides therapeutic benefits, particularly for mental health and relaxation. And the lakes (Keenjhar Lake, Manchar Lake, Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Ratti Gali lake, Attabad Lake, Hanna Lake, Mirpur Lake) are not just vital sources of water but also contribute to the natural beauty of the country and provide health benefits in terms of relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. Many of these areas are popular with tourists and locals alike for their tranquil environments, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Pakistani rivers and lakes have significant potential for tourism, particularly in terms of projecting scenic beauty, gems and gold, clean air & water, irrigation and drinking water, hiking, recreational activities, and providing infrastructure like huts, restaurants, and resorts. With their breathtaking landscapes, clean waters, and tranquil surroundings, these rivers and lakes can become key attractions for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and relaxation.
Pakistani rivers & lakes have considerable untapped potential for tourism, offering scenic landscapes, recreational activities it can be tapped though the infrastructural development of the said areas, destinations, while meeting & beating the modern needs of the day by sustainable, eco-friendly resorts, local dining options, huts, resorts, security, hotels, motels, new cities and restaurants as Pakistan has premium spots tourists seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation, which could greatly contribute to local economies and offer significant environmental and cultural benefits, which may be availed through Public Private partnership progress (PPPP).