Pakistan Studies 9236 | Paper 2 Mock 01 | The human and physical geography of Pakistan
Question 1 Report
Pakistan's national highway authority is reviewing a freight route between Faisalabad factories and Karachi port. Lorries currently make many partly empty journeys, using imported diesel and adding to urban air pollution. A logistics company proposes rail containers, shared warehouses and better scheduling for export goods.
(a) Identify the transport method proposed that can move containers without using roads for the whole journey. [1]
(b) Explain two reasons why fuller loads could reduce environmental costs. [2]
(c) Evaluate one economic advantage and one possible limitation of moving more freight by rail. [2]
(a) Rail / railway [1] (b) Any two: fewer vehicle journeys are required [1]; less diesel is used per tonne of goods [1]; carbon dioxide and air-pollutant emissions can fall [1]; road congestion is reduced [1]. (c) Advantage: rail may move large quantities at lower fuel cost / reduce road damage [1]. Limitation: rail terminals may not reach every factory / investment and reliable timetables are required [1].
Answer Details
(a) Rail / railway [1] (b) Any two: fewer vehicle journeys are required [1]; less diesel is used per tonne of goods [1]; carbon dioxide and air-pollutant emissions can fall [1]; road congestion is reduced [1]. (c) Advantage: rail may move large quantities at lower fuel cost / reduce road damage [1]. Limitation: rail terminals may not reach every factory / investment and reliable timetables are required [1].
Question 2 Report
Fig. 1 shows a hillside above a settlement in northern Pakistan after a period of intense monsoon rainfall. A local disaster-management group is deciding whether to plant native trees, improve drainage and restrict house building on the steepest land. Climate change may increase the frequency of severe rainstorms.
(a) Identify the hazard shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two ways vegetation can make slopes more stable. [2]
(c) Explain one reason why restricting development on steep slopes can be difficult. [3]
(a) Landslide / mass movement [1] (b) Any two: roots bind soil particles [1]; vegetation intercepts rainfall [1]; plants increase water uptake [1]; ground cover reduces erosion by run-off [1]. (c) Any three: flat safe land may be scarce [1]; families may not be able to afford housing elsewhere [1]; people may already own land on slopes [1]; enforcement and planning control may be weak [1]; sites may be near jobs or roads [1].
Answer Details
(a) Landslide / mass movement [1] (b) Any two: roots bind soil particles [1]; vegetation intercepts rainfall [1]; plants increase water uptake [1]; ground cover reduces erosion by run-off [1]. (c) Any three: flat safe land may be scarce [1]; families may not be able to afford housing elsewhere [1]; people may already own land on slopes [1]; enforcement and planning control may be weak [1]; sites may be near jobs or roads [1].
Question 3 Report
Fig. 1 shows a canal-irrigated farm near Rahim Yar Khan. A farmer has divided land between cotton, wheat and fodder, and uses a watercourse from a distributary canal. The extension officer is investigating why agriculture remains important to Pakistan's economy.
(a) Identify the cash crop shown in the figure. [1]
(b) Describe two ways irrigation can increase agricultural output. [2]
(c) Explain three reasons why farming in this area faces economic risks. [3]
(a) Cotton [1] (b) Any two: water permits crop growth when rainfall is low [1]; reliable supply can allow more than one crop each year [1]; water supports higher yields and use of fertiliser [1]; irrigation can expand the area of productive land [1]. (c) Any three from: canal supply may be reduced by drought or upstream demand [1]; waterlogging or salinity can lower yields [1]; cotton prices may change in world trade [1]; pests and crop disease can reduce output [1]; high costs of seed, fertiliser, fuel or machinery can reduce profit [1]; flooding can damage crops and infrastructure [1].
Answer Details
(a) Cotton [1] (b) Any two: water permits crop growth when rainfall is low [1]; reliable supply can allow more than one crop each year [1]; water supports higher yields and use of fertiliser [1]; irrigation can expand the area of productive land [1]. (c) Any three from: canal supply may be reduced by drought or upstream demand [1]; waterlogging or salinity can lower yields [1]; cotton prices may change in world trade [1]; pests and crop disease can reduce output [1]; high costs of seed, fertiliser, fuel or machinery can reduce profit [1]; flooding can damage crops and infrastructure [1].
Question 4 Report
Fig. 1 outlines a multimodal route for imported solar panels. A ship unloads at Gwadar, containers move by lorry to a rail terminal, and a train carries them towards a distribution depot in Quetta. Planners are evaluating this route as Pakistan seeks more renewable energy equipment and stronger regional trade links.
(a) Identify the transport method used between the rail terminal and Quetta. [1]
(b) Describe one reason why solar panels need careful handling during transport. [1]
(c) Explain four factors that planners should consider before relying on this route for regular imports. [4]
(a) Rail / train. [1] (b) Panels may crack or their electrical components may be damaged by impact or poor stacking. [1] (c) Any four: capacity and condition of port, road and rail infrastructure [1]; total cost of each transfer between transport types [1]; security of valuable cargo [1]; risk from weather, floods or landslides [1]; reliability of timetables and border or customs procedures [1]; availability of storage and trained handling staff [1]; demand for panels in western Pakistan. [1]
Answer Details
(a) Rail / train. [1] (b) Panels may crack or their electrical components may be damaged by impact or poor stacking. [1] (c) Any four: capacity and condition of port, road and rail infrastructure [1]; total cost of each transfer between transport types [1]; security of valuable cargo [1]; risk from weather, floods or landslides [1]; reliability of timetables and border or customs procedures [1]; availability of storage and trained handling staff [1]; demand for panels in western Pakistan. [1]
Question 5 Report
Fig. 1 is a visitor-route sketch for a community tourism project in the Swat Valley. It includes a guesthouse, a craft cooperative, a walking trail, a river and a protected woodland. Residents want tourism income while protecting the climate-sensitive mountain environment.
(a) Identify one service for visitors shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two ways tourists could provide income for local people. [2]
(c) Explain two reasons why unmanaged tourism could damage this area. [2]
(a) Guesthouse / walking trail / craft cooperative [1] (b) Any two: visitors pay for accommodation and food [1]; local guides can be employed [1]; crafts can be sold to tourists [1]; transport providers and shops can gain customers [1]. (c) Any two: too many visitors can create litter and water pollution [1]; walking off paths can damage vegetation and cause erosion [1]; new buildings can spoil habitats or landscape quality [1]; greater vehicle use can increase congestion and emissions [1].
Answer Details
(a) Guesthouse / walking trail / craft cooperative [1] (b) Any two: visitors pay for accommodation and food [1]; local guides can be employed [1]; crafts can be sold to tourists [1]; transport providers and shops can gain customers [1]. (c) Any two: too many visitors can create litter and water pollution [1]; walking off paths can damage vegetation and cause erosion [1]; new buildings can spoil habitats or landscape quality [1]; greater vehicle use can increase congestion and emissions [1].
Question 6 Report
Fig. 1 is a sketch from an offshore survey near the Makran coast. The vessel has detected structures that may trap oil or natural gas beneath impermeable rock. Pakistan imports much of its fuel, so geologists are examining whether careful exploration could improve energy security and reduce pressure on foreign trade.
(a) Identify the rock layer labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe where oil or gas would collect in the structure shown. [1]
(c) Explain two possible economic advantages of finding a commercial gas field. [2]
(d) Explain two risks that must be managed during offshore extraction. [2]
(a) Impermeable cap rock [1] (b) At the crest of the fold, beneath the impermeable layer, with gas above oil [1] (c) Any two: lowers fuel imports and improves balance of payments [1]; supplies energy to homes and industry [1]; creates skilled employment and tax revenue [1]; can support petrochemical/fertiliser industries [1]. [2] (d) Any two: spills/leaks can harm marine ecosystems and fisheries [1]; storms or equipment failure can damage platforms/pipelines [1]; drilling may disturb seabed habitats [1]; gas is flammable, creating fire/explosion hazards [1]. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Impermeable cap rock [1] (b) At the crest of the fold, beneath the impermeable layer, with gas above oil [1] (c) Any two: lowers fuel imports and improves balance of payments [1]; supplies energy to homes and industry [1]; creates skilled employment and tax revenue [1]; can support petrochemical/fertiliser industries [1]. [2] (d) Any two: spills/leaks can harm marine ecosystems and fisheries [1]; storms or equipment failure can damage platforms/pipelines [1]; drilling may disturb seabed habitats [1]; gas is flammable, creating fire/explosion hazards [1]. [2]
Question 7 Report
A mountain village in Gilgit-Baltistan has mapped the course of a fast stream before choosing a site for a micro-hydroelectric scheme. Fig. 1 shows the intended arrangement. The community needs reliable energy for homes, a clinic and small businesses, but wishes to protect downstream water users.
(a) Name the feature in Fig. 1 that turns moving water into electricity. [1]
(b) Describe how the scheme could improve economic development in the village. [2]
(c) Explain two factors that should be considered before construction begins. [3]
(a) Turbine / water turbine [1] (b) Any two: electricity allows small workshops or shops to operate [1]; refrigeration or clinic equipment can be used [1]; reduced spending on diesel or kerosene [1]; local construction and maintenance work may be created [1]. (c) Any three: seasonal changes in stream flow [1]; need to maintain water for downstream farms or ecosystems [1]; cost of construction and maintenance [1]; risk from floods, landslides or damaged pipes [1]; distance of homes from the power lines [1].
Answer Details
(a) Turbine / water turbine [1] (b) Any two: electricity allows small workshops or shops to operate [1]; refrigeration or clinic equipment can be used [1]; reduced spending on diesel or kerosene [1]; local construction and maintenance work may be created [1]. (c) Any three: seasonal changes in stream flow [1]; need to maintain water for downstream farms or ecosystems [1]; cost of construction and maintenance [1]; risk from floods, landslides or damaged pipes [1]; distance of homes from the power lines [1].
Question 8 Report
A university team is assessing whether a cement works near Rawalpindi should install filters and use waste heat to generate electricity. Nearby residents have reported dust on crops, while managers argue that the factory provides important jobs and materials for Pakistan's construction sector.
(a) State one pollutant, other than carbon dioxide, that may be released by a cement works. [1]
(b) Explain two reasons why recovering waste heat is more sustainable than allowing it to escape. [2]
(c) Analyse one social benefit and one environmental cost of retaining the factory at this location. [1]
(a) Dust / particulate matter / sulfur dioxide / nitrogen oxides [1]. (b) Any two: waste energy is used to generate electricity [1]; less fuel needs to be burned [1]; operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions can fall [1]. (c) Social benefit: employment / local construction materials [1]. Environmental cost: air pollution / dust on crops / carbon dioxide emissions [1].
Answer Details
(a) Dust / particulate matter / sulfur dioxide / nitrogen oxides [1]. (b) Any two: waste energy is used to generate electricity [1]; less fuel needs to be burned [1]; operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions can fall [1]. (c) Social benefit: employment / local construction materials [1]. Environmental cost: air pollution / dust on crops / carbon dioxide emissions [1].
Question 9 Report
After a fall in groundwater levels, engineers inspect a canal command area in central Punjab. Fig. 1 shows a field where repeated irrigation has left a pale crust and shallow water table. The farmer says wheat yields are falling despite using more water, so the extension officer must explain the change.
(a) Identify the soil problem labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe how the shallow water table contributes to this problem. [1]
(c) Explain three measures that could improve this land for agricultural development. [3]
(a) Salinisation/saline soil [1] (b) Water rises by capillary action and evaporates, leaving dissolved salts at the surface [1] (c) Any three: install/improve drains to lower water table [1]; flush salts through soil with controlled water supply [1]; line canals to reduce seepage [1]; use salt-tolerant crops [1]; apply gypsum where appropriate [1]; improve irrigation scheduling to avoid overwatering [1]. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Salinisation/saline soil [1] (b) Water rises by capillary action and evaporates, leaving dissolved salts at the surface [1] (c) Any three: install/improve drains to lower water table [1]; flush salts through soil with controlled water supply [1]; line canals to reduce seepage [1]; use salt-tolerant crops [1]; apply gypsum where appropriate [1]; improve irrigation scheduling to avoid overwatering [1]. [3]
Question 10 Report
A coastal hotel association in Gwadar is designing a code for visitors and businesses. The area has beaches, fishing communities and sensitive marine habitats, but rapid construction could increase sewage, litter and water demand. The association wants tourism income to remain important without damaging the natural resources on which visitors depend.
(a) State one type of infrastructure needed to prevent sewage entering the sea. [1]
(b) Explain two ways local people can gain from carefully managed tourism. [2]
(c) Assess whether limiting visitor numbers at sensitive sites is justified. Give two reasons for your answer. [3]
(a) Sewage-treatment plant / wastewater-treatment system [1]. (b) Any two: jobs in accommodation, guiding, transport or food services [1]; local crafts and fish products can be sold [1]; income may support community facilities [1]; training can improve skills [1]. (c) It is justified because fewer visitors reduce litter, erosion and disturbance to wildlife [1], and protect the attraction for future tourism income [1]; however, limits should be managed fairly because they may reduce short-term earnings for local businesses [1].
Answer Details
(a) Sewage-treatment plant / wastewater-treatment system [1]. (b) Any two: jobs in accommodation, guiding, transport or food services [1]; local crafts and fish products can be sold [1]; income may support community facilities [1]; training can improve skills [1]. (c) It is justified because fewer visitors reduce litter, erosion and disturbance to wildlife [1], and protect the attraction for future tourism income [1]; however, limits should be managed fairly because they may reduce short-term earnings for local businesses [1].
Question 11 Report
Fig. 1 shows a community forest nursery near Chitral. Local students have raised native saplings for planting on degraded slopes and along irrigation channels. The project leader says that tree planting must be combined with protection from grazing and with long-term care if it is to make a genuine contribution to Pakistan's climate and water security.
(a) Identify the young plants shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two reasons why native species may be preferred to imported tree species. [2]
(c) Explain two factors that determine whether planted trees survive. [2]
(a) Saplings / seedlings [1] (b) Any two: native species are adapted to the local climate and soils [1]; they support local insects and wildlife [1]; they are less likely to become invasive [1]; local seed may be easier or cheaper to obtain [1]. (c) Any two: sufficient rainfall or watering [1]; protection from livestock grazing [1]; suitable soil and site [1]; protection from pests, fire or cutting [1]; continued maintenance [1].
Answer Details
(a) Saplings / seedlings [1] (b) Any two: native species are adapted to the local climate and soils [1]; they support local insects and wildlife [1]; they are less likely to become invasive [1]; local seed may be easier or cheaper to obtain [1]. (c) Any two: sufficient rainfall or watering [1]; protection from livestock grazing [1]; suitable soil and site [1]; protection from pests, fire or cutting [1]; continued maintenance [1].
Question 12 Report
Fig. 1 shows a roadside warehouse and cold-storage centre beside the M-5 motorway in Multan. A logistics firm is studying whether the centre can connect farms in south Punjab with supermarkets in Karachi. The firm expects that better infrastructure could reduce food waste and encourage national trade.
(a) Identify the type of goods most likely to need the cold-storage rooms. [1]
(b) Describe one service provided by a logistics firm at this centre. [1]
(c) Explain three ways motorway access can assist economic development in south Punjab. [3]
(a) Perishable food such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products or meat. [1] (b) Any one: storage / packing / loading containers / arranging lorry delivery / tracking consignments. [1] (c) Any three: faster access to major urban markets [1]; less spoilage and waste of farm produce [1]; lower journey costs or more reliable delivery [1]; encourages processing, warehouses and related employment [1]; makes the area more attractive to investors. [1]
Answer Details
(a) Perishable food such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products or meat. [1] (b) Any one: storage / packing / loading containers / arranging lorry delivery / tracking consignments. [1] (c) Any three: faster access to major urban markets [1]; less spoilage and waste of farm produce [1]; lower journey costs or more reliable delivery [1]; encourages processing, warehouses and related employment [1]; makes the area more attractive to investors. [1]
Question 13 Report
Near Mardan, farmers and brick makers examine Fig. 1, which shows layers exposed in a borrow pit beside the Kabul River. The upper alluvium is used for crops, while clay below is removed for bricks. The district planning office wants to prevent the loss of productive land while allowing local economic development.
(a) Identify the deposit labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe how this material was deposited. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why alluvial soil is important for farming in Pakistan. [2]
(d) Explain two problems created by removing clay from this site. [2]
(a) Alluvium/alluvial soil [1] (b) It was deposited by river water when flow slowed during flooding or on the floodplain [1] (c) Any two: fine sediment is often fertile and contains nutrients [1]; deep, workable soil supports high crop yields [1]; level floodplain permits irrigation and mechanisation [1]; soil retains sufficient moisture for crops [1]. [2] (d) Any two: removes fertile land from agriculture [1]; pits may fill with polluted/stagnant water [1]; increases erosion or flood vulnerability [1]; dust and lorry traffic affect nearby residents [1]. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Alluvium/alluvial soil [1] (b) It was deposited by river water when flow slowed during flooding or on the floodplain [1] (c) Any two: fine sediment is often fertile and contains nutrients [1]; deep, workable soil supports high crop yields [1]; level floodplain permits irrigation and mechanisation [1]; soil retains sufficient moisture for crops [1]. [2] (d) Any two: removes fertile land from agriculture [1]; pits may fill with polluted/stagnant water [1]; increases erosion or flood vulnerability [1]; dust and lorry traffic affect nearby residents [1]. [2]
Question 14 Report
Fig. 1 presents a rainfall-shadow sketch made during a climate field course in Balochistan. Moist air arrives from the Arabian Sea, rises over the mountain barrier and descends toward an inland basin. The students link this process to the region’s dry climate, sparse vegetation and limited agricultural development.
(a) Identify the slope labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe what happens to air temperature as it rises on X. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why the basin on the eastern side receives little rainfall. [2]
(d) Explain two ways in which this climate limits economic activity. [2]
(a) Windward/seaward slope [1] (b) It cools as it rises [1] (c) Air has already lost much moisture as rain on the windward side [1]; descending air warms and its relative humidity falls, preventing condensation [1]. (d) Any two: little water restricts crop growing without irrigation [1]; sparse grazing limits livestock carrying capacity [1]; settlements are dispersed and water supply costly [1]; dust and heat can disrupt transport/work [1]. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Windward/seaward slope [1] (b) It cools as it rises [1] (c) Air has already lost much moisture as rain on the windward side [1]; descending air warms and its relative humidity falls, preventing condensation [1]. (d) Any two: little water restricts crop growing without irrigation [1]; sparse grazing limits livestock carrying capacity [1]; settlements are dispersed and water supply costly [1]; dust and heat can disrupt transport/work [1]. [2]
Question 15 Report
Read the information below about a cotton-growing area near Bahawalpur. Farmers report that yields have fallen after repeated use of flood irrigation and chemical fertiliser. An agricultural extension officer is testing methods that use less water while maintaining production for Pakistan's textile trade.
(a) Identify one reason why cotton is economically important to Pakistan. [1]
(b) Explain why flood irrigation can be unsustainable in a dry climate. [2]
(c) Suggest one change that could reduce water use on these farms. [2]
(a) It supplies the textile industry / earns export income / provides employment [1]. (b) Much water is lost by evaporation or seepage [1]; excessive abstraction can reduce scarce groundwater or river water available for other users [1]. (c) Drip irrigation / sprinkler irrigation / watering at cooler times / lining channels, with a linked reduction in water loss [2].
Answer Details
(a) It supplies the textile industry / earns export income / provides employment [1]. (b) Much water is lost by evaporation or seepage [1]; excessive abstraction can reduce scarce groundwater or river water available for other users [1]. (c) Drip irrigation / sprinkler irrigation / watering at cooler times / lining channels, with a linked reduction in water loss [2].
Question 16 Report
Read the case study below. A women's cooperative in Tharparkar is making solar dryers for vegetables and fruit. In good seasons, produce that would previously spoil can be dried and sold later at local markets. The group is seeking a small loan to expand production and improve packaging.
(a) Identify one reason why food spoilage is a development problem. [1]
(b) Explain two ways solar drying could improve household economic security. [3]
(c) Suggest one trade-related improvement that could help the cooperative sell beyond its district. [2]
(a) It wastes food and farmers' income / reduces food available for sale or consumption [1]. (b) Any three: surplus can be stored for longer [1]; dried produce can be sold when fresh supply is low [1]; households gain an additional income source [1]; less money is lost when crops cannot be sold fresh [1]; solar energy has little fuel cost [1]. (c) Suitable suggestion plus reason, for example improved packaging and labelling to meet market standards [1] and links with wholesalers or online retailers to reach distant customers [1].
Answer Details
(a) It wastes food and farmers' income / reduces food available for sale or consumption [1]. (b) Any three: surplus can be stored for longer [1]; dried produce can be sold when fresh supply is low [1]; households gain an additional income source [1]; less money is lost when crops cannot be sold fresh [1]; solar energy has little fuel cost [1]. (c) Suitable suggestion plus reason, for example improved packaging and labelling to meet market standards [1] and links with wholesalers or online retailers to reach distant customers [1].
Question 17 Report
The diagram shows a proposed dry port beside a rail interchange near Havelian. Containers would be cleared by customs there before continuing south to a seaport. Local residents have asked how this project could change development in northern Pakistan and reduce pressure on roads.
(a) Identify the function of customs clearance at the dry port. [1]
(b) Describe one way the rail interchange could reduce road congestion. [1]
(c) Explain two economic benefits that the dry port could bring to the surrounding area. [2]
(a) Checking and processing goods and documents for import or export duties and regulations. [1] (b) Containers can be moved in bulk by train instead of many separate lorries. [1] (c) Any two: construction, handling and warehousing create employment [1]; nearby firms may receive inputs or send exports more cheaply [1]; investment in services such as storage and repairs may increase [1]; faster clearance can encourage trade and business location. [1]
Answer Details
(a) Checking and processing goods and documents for import or export duties and regulations. [1] (b) Containers can be moved in bulk by train instead of many separate lorries. [1] (c) Any two: construction, handling and warehousing create employment [1]; nearby firms may receive inputs or send exports more cheaply [1]; investment in services such as storage and repairs may increase [1]; faster clearance can encourage trade and business location. [1]
