Lakes in Pakistan
1. Introduction
Pakistan is home to a variety of natural and man-made lakes spread across its diverse geography — from the snow-fed basins of Gilgit-Baltistan to the arid plains of Sindh. Lakes in Pakistan serve ecological, hydrological, economic, and recreational purposes.
Interactive Map of Major Lakes in Pakistan
2. Classification of Lakes in Pakistan
A. Based on Origin
- Glacial/Alpine Lakes – Found in the high-altitude regions, formed by glacier melt (e.g., Saif-ul-Malook).
- Tectonic Lakes – Created due to tectonic activity (e.g., Hanna Lake).
- Oxbow/Depression Lakes – Formed in river floodplains (e.g., Manchar Lake).
- Artificial/Reservoirs – Created for dams or irrigation (e.g., Rawal Lake, Hub Lake).
B. Based on Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (North) – Mostly alpine/glacial lakes.
- Punjab – Artificial and some natural lakes.
- Sindh & Balochistan – Shallow lakes, depression lakes, reservoirs.
3. Major Lakes in Pakistan
A. Gilgit-Baltistan (Glacial & Alpine Lakes)
1. Attabad Lake
- Location: Hunza Valley
- Origin: Formed in 2010 due to a landslide on the Hunza River
- Length: ~21 km
- Significance: Major tourist attraction, disrupted the Karakoram Highway
2. Rush Lake
- Altitude: 4,694 meters (One of the highest alpine lakes in the world)
- Location: Near Nagar Valley
- Access: Via Hopar Glacier
3. Sheosar Lake
- Location: Deosai National Park
- Altitude: 4,142 meters
- Type: Alpine lake with rich biodiversity
4. Borith Lake
- Location: Upper Hunza
- Type: Saline lake
- Significance: Migratory bird stopover (ducks and cranes)
B. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
1. Lake Saif-ul-Malook
- Location: Naran, Kaghan Valley
- Altitude: 3,224 meters
- Famous for: Myths, natural beauty, trout fish
2. Lulusar Lake
- Location: On Naran-Babusar road
- Feeds: Kunhar River
3. Mahodand Lake
- Location: Ushu Valley, Swat
- Surroundings: Dense pine forests and meadows
4. Dudipatsar Lake
- Location: Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park
- Known as: “Queen of Lakes” due to emerald green water
C. Punjab
1. Rawal Lake
- Location: Islamabad
- Type: Artificial reservoir
- Purpose: Water supply for Rawalpindi & Islamabad
- Recreation: Boating, fishing
2. Kallar Kahar Lake
- Location: Salt Range (Chakwal)
- Type: Natural lake
- Famous for: Peacocks and tourist attractions
3. Uchhali Lake
- Location: Soon Valley, Khushab
- Type: Saltwater lake
- Importance: Ramsar Wetland Site; home to migratory birds
D. Sindh
1. Lake Manchar
- Location: Dadu District
- Largest freshwater lake in Pakistan
- Fed by: Indus River and hill torrents
- Issues: Pollution and reduction in fish stock due to saline drainage water
2. Keenjhar Lake (Kalri Lake)
- Location: Thatta
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Supplies: Drinking water to Karachi
- Tourism: Boating, picnicking
3. Haleji Lake
- Location: Thatta
- Type: Artificial lake, enlarged from a natural depression
- Importance: Bird sanctuary and Ramsar site
E. Balochistan
1. Hanna Lake
- Location: Near Quetta
- Type: Tectonic/artificial
- Features: Surrounded by hills, tourist picnic spot
2. Zhob River Lakes
- Series of small lakes and wetlands
- Important for waterfowl and arid biodiversity
3. Band Khushdil Khan
- Artificial reservoir for Quetta
- Dry in some seasons due to low rainfall
4. Ecological and Economic Importance
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Many lakes support migratory birds, fish, and aquatic plants.
- Water Storage: Reservoir lakes like Rawal, Hub, and Keenjhar are essential for urban water supply.
- Tourism and Economy: Lakes in Swat, Hunza, Kaghan, and Balochistan attract tourists, supporting local economies.
- Agriculture and Irrigation: Lakes formed near dams help regulate water flow and storage.
5. Challenges Facing Lakes in Pakistan
- Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff pollutes lakes like Manchar and Keenjhar.
- Siltation: Glacial melt lakes and reservoirs are vulnerable to silt accumulation.
- Climate Change: Glacial retreat threatens high-altitude lakes; some are expanding rapidly (GLOFs).
- Over-extraction and Drainage: Excessive water use lowers lake levels.
- Invasive Species: Affecting biodiversity in some freshwater lakes.
6. Conclusion
Lakes in Pakistan are vital for ecological balance, water storage, livelihoods, and tourism. Protection through environmental regulation, eco-tourism management, and water conservation strategies is crucial for sustaining these natural resources.
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