Pakistan Studies 9236 | Paper 2 Mock 01 | The human and physical geography of Pakistan
Question 1 Report
Health workers have drawn Fig. 1 after observing a maternal-health clinic serving villages near Sukkur. The diagram shows the clinic, a surfaced road, flood-prone tracks and the route used by a motorcycle ambulance. Staff are assessing factors that change access to healthcare.
(a) Identify the transport method shown for emergency journeys. [1]
(b) Describe one physical factor in Fig. 1 that can delay patients. [1]
(c) Explain two ways improved healthcare can support Pakistan's economic development. [2]
(a) Motorcycle ambulance / motorcycle [1] (b) Flood-prone track / rough unsurfaced roads / a river crossing [1] (c) Any two: healthier workers lose fewer days through illness [1]; lower maternal and infant mortality preserves human resources [1]; healthy children attend school more regularly and develop skills [1]; lower illness costs can leave households with money for savings or investment [1].
Answer Details
(a) Motorcycle ambulance / motorcycle [1] (b) Flood-prone track / rough unsurfaced roads / a river crossing [1] (c) Any two: healthier workers lose fewer days through illness [1]; lower maternal and infant mortality preserves human resources [1]; healthy children attend school more regularly and develop skills [1]; lower illness costs can leave households with money for savings or investment [1].
Question 2 Report
The diagram shows money sent by a Pakistani electrician working in the Gulf to relatives in a village near Mardan. The family uses a bank branch, pays school fees, improves its home and buys farm equipment. Researchers are studying remittances as a factor in rural development.
(a) State what is meant by a remittance. [1]
(b) Describe two uses of the money shown in Fig. 1. [2]
(c) Explain one benefit and one possible disadvantage of reliance on remittances. [2]
(a) Money sent home by a person working in another place or country [1] (b) Any two: school fees / education [1]; improving the house [1]; buying farm equipment [1]; saving through a bank [1]. (c) Benefit: raises household income / funds investment in education or farming [1]. Disadvantage: income may fall if overseas employment ends or exchange rates change [1]; or local people may become dependent on money rather than creating local jobs [1].
Answer Details
(a) Money sent home by a person working in another place or country [1] (b) Any two: school fees / education [1]; improving the house [1]; buying farm equipment [1]; saving through a bank [1]. (c) Benefit: raises household income / funds investment in education or farming [1]. Disadvantage: income may fall if overseas employment ends or exchange rates change [1]; or local people may become dependent on money rather than creating local jobs [1].
Question 3 Report
Fig. 1 shows a food-processing factory near Islamabad that has introduced a childcare room, safe transport and training for women employees. The manager records workers at packaging, quality control and supervision stations. The company wants to increase output while widening participation in paid employment.
(a) Identify one workplace support shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two roles carried out by women in the factory. [2]
(c) Explain two reasons why increasing women's paid employment can support Pakistan's economic development. [2]
(a) Childcare room / staff transport / training [1] (b) Any two: packaging products [1]; checking quality [1]; supervising production [1]. (c) Any two: more people contribute skills and labour to production [1]; household incomes rise, increasing spending and savings [1]; firms can recruit from a wider labour force [1]; higher incomes can improve children's health and education [1]; tax revenue and national output may increase [1].
Answer Details
(a) Childcare room / staff transport / training [1] (b) Any two: packaging products [1]; checking quality [1]; supervising production [1]. (c) Any two: more people contribute skills and labour to production [1]; household incomes rise, increasing spending and savings [1]; firms can recruit from a wider labour force [1]; higher incomes can improve children's health and education [1]; tax revenue and national output may increase [1].
Question 4 Report
The diagram shows two households used in a social survey in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Household A has several school-age children and one wage earner. Household B has two adults in paid work and fewer dependants. The survey considers how dependency can influence economic development.
(a) State what is meant by a dependant. [1]
(b) Calculate the dependency ratio for Household A if it has six dependants and one worker. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why a high dependency ratio can limit family savings. [2]
(d) Analyse two ways education of young people could change Pakistan's future economic position. [2]
(a) A person supported financially by working people / a person not in paid work, such as a child or elderly person [1] (b) 6:1 / six dependants per worker [1] (c) Any two: income must pay for food, clothing and housing for more non-earners [1]; school or healthcare costs use money that could be saved [1]; one worker's income may be low or insecure [1]. (d) Any two: educated young people can gain higher-skilled, better-paid work [1]; a more skilled labour force can increase productivity [1]; skills can attract investment in higher-value industry or services [1]; higher earnings can increase tax revenue and domestic demand [1].
Answer Details
(a) A person supported financially by working people / a person not in paid work, such as a child or elderly person [1] (b) 6:1 / six dependants per worker [1] (c) Any two: income must pay for food, clothing and housing for more non-earners [1]; school or healthcare costs use money that could be saved [1]; one worker's income may be low or insecure [1]. (d) Any two: educated young people can gain higher-skilled, better-paid work [1]; a more skilled labour force can increase productivity [1]; skills can attract investment in higher-value industry or services [1]; higher earnings can increase tax revenue and domestic demand [1].
Question 5 Report
A freight survey at Port Qasim records that some containers remain in storage because importers have not completed electronic payment of duties. Shipping firms argue that digital customs systems are important, but small traders say that software costs and training are barriers. The survey is being used to assess a proposed port modernisation programme.
(a) State what is meant by an import duty. [1]
(b) Describe one advantage of electronic payment of duties for a shipping firm. [1]
(c) Explain four reasons why some small traders may struggle to use a fully digital customs system. [4]
(a) A tax charged on goods brought into a country. [1] (b) Payment can be confirmed quickly, allowing containers to be released sooner. [1] (c) Any four: limited computer or internet skills [1]; cost of devices, software or reliable connection [1]; weak internet access outside major cities [1]; concern about online fraud or data security [1]; difficulty understanding electronic forms or regulations [1]; need for staff training and technical support [1].
Answer Details
(a) A tax charged on goods brought into a country. [1] (b) Payment can be confirmed quickly, allowing containers to be released sooner. [1] (c) Any four: limited computer or internet skills [1]; cost of devices, software or reliable connection [1]; weak internet access outside major cities [1]; concern about online fraud or data security [1]; difficulty understanding electronic forms or regulations [1]; need for staff training and technical support [1].
Question 6 Report
Fig. 1 shows a population pyramid prepared by a planning office for Pakistan in 2025. The broad lower bars represent a high number of children, while the older age groups are much narrower. Officials are using the figure to decide where future development spending is important.
(a) Identify the age group that is widest in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two features of the population structure shown in the figure. [2]
(c) Explain two economic pressures that this population structure may place on Pakistan. [2]
(a) 0-4 years [1] (b) Any two: wide base / large proportion of children [1]; numbers decrease with age [1]; very small elderly population [1]; male and female sides are broadly similar [1]. (c) Any two: more schools, teachers and health services are needed for children [1]; high dependency means fewer workers supporting many young people [1]; large numbers will require jobs when they enter working age [1]; government spending on services can reduce funds available for other economic development [1].
Answer Details
(a) 0-4 years [1] (b) Any two: wide base / large proportion of children [1]; numbers decrease with age [1]; very small elderly population [1]; male and female sides are broadly similar [1]. (c) Any two: more schools, teachers and health services are needed for children [1]; high dependency means fewer workers supporting many young people [1]; large numbers will require jobs when they enter working age [1]; government spending on services can reduce funds available for other economic development [1].
Question 7 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]
Question 8 Report
Fig. 1 shows a field geologist’s cross-section from the north of Pakistan to the Arabian Sea. It was prepared for an investigation into how relief affects settlement, transport and economic development. The labelled line crosses the Karakoram, western mountains, Indus Plain and coastal belt. Use the figure and your own knowledge in your answer.
(a) Identify the mountain range labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe one difference in relief between the area labelled Y and the area labelled Z. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why the Indus Plain is important for Pakistan’s development. [2]
(a) Karakoram [1] (b) Y is mountainous/steep/high relief whereas Z is flat/low-lying/gently sloping [1] (c) Any two: fertile alluvial soils support intensive agriculture [1]; rivers and canals provide irrigation [1]; flat land permits dense settlement/roads/railways/industry [1]; major cities and markets are located there [1]. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Karakoram [1] (b) Y is mountainous/steep/high relief whereas Z is flat/low-lying/gently sloping [1] (c) Any two: fertile alluvial soils support intensive agriculture [1]; rivers and canals provide irrigation [1]; flat land permits dense settlement/roads/railways/industry [1]; major cities and markets are located there [1]. [2]
Question 9 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 10 Report
Fig. 1 shows a proposed solar-powered water pump beside a small farm in south Punjab. The farm cooperative is considering replacing a diesel pump because fuel costs have risen and electricity supply is unreliable. Members want development that improves incomes without increasing Pakistan's dependence on imported fuel.
(a) Identify the renewable energy source shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two economic benefits to the farmers of using this pump. [2]
(c) Explain one reason why a diesel pump may still be important at this site. [1]
(a) Solar energy / energy from sunlight [1] (b) Any two: no regular diesel purchase is needed [1]; lower running costs [1]; irrigation can continue where grid supply is unreliable [1]; more money may be retained as farm income [1]. (c) It can operate when sunlight is weak / at night / during cloudy weather [1].
Answer Details
(a) Solar energy / energy from sunlight [1] (b) Any two: no regular diesel purchase is needed [1]; lower running costs [1]; irrigation can continue where grid supply is unreliable [1]; more money may be retained as farm income [1]. (c) It can operate when sunlight is weak / at night / during cloudy weather [1].
Question 11 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 12 Report
Fig. 1 shows a proposed route for copper ore from a mine in the Chagai area of Balochistan to a processing plant and then to Gwadar. Engineers have marked steep terrain, a long road section and a rail-loading point. The case study examines reasons why mineral development can be costly.
(a) Identify the mineral shown being transported. [1]
(b) Describe one transport difficulty visible in Fig. 1. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why mineral extraction may bring limited development to nearby communities. [2]
(a) Copper [1] (b) Any one: steep / mountainous terrain [1]; long distance to port [1]; winding road [1]; sparse transport infrastructure [1]. (c) Any two: mines may employ relatively few local people if skilled workers are brought from elsewhere [1]; profits may leave the local area or Pakistan [1]; road, dust or water impacts can damage local livelihoods [1]; remote settlements may receive little infrastructure unless agreements require it [1].
Answer Details
(a) Copper [1] (b) Any one: steep / mountainous terrain [1]; long distance to port [1]; winding road [1]; sparse transport infrastructure [1]. (c) Any two: mines may employ relatively few local people if skilled workers are brought from elsewhere [1]; profits may leave the local area or Pakistan [1]; road, dust or water impacts can damage local livelihoods [1]; remote settlements may receive little infrastructure unless agreements require it [1].
Question 13 Report
During a survey of an urban market in Peshawar, researchers drew Fig. 1 to show informal workers. The sketch includes a tea stall, a bicycle repairer, a street vendor and a waste collector. These workers are important to the city economy although many have no written contract.
(a) Identify one informal occupation shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe one feature that makes this work informal. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why informal work is common in rapidly growing Pakistani cities. [2]
(a) Any one: tea seller [1]; bicycle repairer [1]; street vendor [1]; waste collector [1]. (b) Any one: no written employment contract [1]; unregistered small business [1]; irregular income [1]; no formal employment benefits [1]. (c) Any two: rural migrants may arrive faster than formal jobs are created [1]; informal work has low start-up costs and needs limited qualifications [1]; people need immediate income when unemployed [1]; demand exists for cheap services and goods [1].
Answer Details
(a) Any one: tea seller [1]; bicycle repairer [1]; street vendor [1]; waste collector [1]. (b) Any one: no written employment contract [1]; unregistered small business [1]; irregular income [1]; no formal employment benefits [1]. (c) Any two: rural migrants may arrive faster than formal jobs are created [1]; informal work has low start-up costs and needs limited qualifications [1]; people need immediate income when unemployed [1]; demand exists for cheap services and goods [1].
Question 14 Report
A hydropower planner studies Fig. 1 before selecting a site on a northern tributary of the Indus. The sketch shows a steep-sided gorge, a dam, reservoir and transmission line to a town. Seasonal snowmelt produces high flows, but residents have raised concerns about environmental and social change.
(a) Identify the feature labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe why a narrow gorge is suitable for building the structure shown. [1]
(c) Explain three disadvantages of this hydroelectric development. [3]
(a) Dam [1] (b) Steep, narrow sides require a shorter dam wall and can hold back deep water [1] (c) Any three: expensive to construct in remote mountainous terrain [1]; villages/farmland may be submerged and people displaced [1]; sediment can reduce reservoir capacity [1]; altered flow harms river habitats/fisheries [1]; output varies with seasonal water flow [1]; dam failure or reservoir-induced hazards may threaten communities [1]. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Dam [1] (b) Steep, narrow sides require a shorter dam wall and can hold back deep water [1] (c) Any three: expensive to construct in remote mountainous terrain [1]; villages/farmland may be submerged and people displaced [1]; sediment can reduce reservoir capacity [1]; altered flow harms river habitats/fisheries [1]; output varies with seasonal water flow [1]; dam failure or reservoir-induced hazards may threaten communities [1]. [3]
Question 15 Report
Fig. 1 shows a village water point on the piedmont of the Suleiman Range. After heavy rain, a seasonal stream spreads out and deposits gravel where it leaves the mountains. Households collect water from a hand pump, but some wells fail before the next monsoon. The diagram is being used to plan a small recharge scheme.
(a) Identify the fan-shaped deposit labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe why the stream deposits material at X. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why groundwater is important in this part of Pakistan. [2]
(d) Explain two methods of increasing groundwater recharge here. [2]
(a) Alluvial fan [1] (b) The stream loses velocity and carrying capacity when it reaches flatter ground, so it deposits sediment [1] (c) Any two: supplies drinking/domestic water [1]; irrigates crops where rivers/canals are absent [1]; supports livestock and settlements in a dry climate [1]; provides water during dry months [1]. [2] (d) Any two: construct check dams to slow water [1]; build recharge ponds/percolation basins [1]; protect stream channels and infiltration areas from sealing/building [1]; direct floodwater into recharge wells [1]. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Alluvial fan [1] (b) The stream loses velocity and carrying capacity when it reaches flatter ground, so it deposits sediment [1] (c) Any two: supplies drinking/domestic water [1]; irrigates crops where rivers/canals are absent [1]; supports livestock and settlements in a dry climate [1]; provides water during dry months [1]. [2] (d) Any two: construct check dams to slow water [1]; build recharge ponds/percolation basins [1]; protect stream channels and infiltration areas from sealing/building [1]; direct floodwater into recharge wells [1]. [2]
Question 16 Report
Fig. 1 is a site plan for a textile cluster in Faisalabad. It shows spinning and weaving units, a dyeing plant, a skills centre, a rail freight yard and homes for workers. Investors are deciding whether the cluster will strengthen industrial development without creating excessive environmental costs.
(a) Identify the industry represented by the spinning and weaving units. [1]
(b) Describe two location factors shown in Fig. 1 that support this industry. [2]
(c) Explain three ways the cluster could increase employment and income in Pakistan. [3]
(d) Analyse four measures that could reduce the environmental impact of the dyeing plant. [4]
(a) Textile industry / cotton textile manufacturing [1] (b) Any two: rail freight yard provides transport for inputs and exports [1]; skills centre provides trained labour [1]; worker housing helps firms recruit labour [1]; main road improves access to markets [1]. (c) Any three: factories directly employ machine operators, technicians and managers [1]; construction, transport, shops and repairs create indirect jobs [1]; training can raise workers' skills and wages [1]; textile exports earn foreign exchange [1]; demand for Pakistani cotton can support farmers [1]. (d) Any four: treat dyeing wastewater before discharge [1]; recycle water within production [1]; monitor and enforce limits on chemical effluent [1]; use less toxic dyes or cleaner production methods [1]; install filters and maintain boilers to reduce air pollution [1]; locate and manage waste safely away from the canal [1]; provide protective equipment and training for workers [1].
Answer Details
(a) Textile industry / cotton textile manufacturing [1] (b) Any two: rail freight yard provides transport for inputs and exports [1]; skills centre provides trained labour [1]; worker housing helps firms recruit labour [1]; main road improves access to markets [1]. (c) Any three: factories directly employ machine operators, technicians and managers [1]; construction, transport, shops and repairs create indirect jobs [1]; training can raise workers' skills and wages [1]; textile exports earn foreign exchange [1]; demand for Pakistani cotton can support farmers [1]. (d) Any four: treat dyeing wastewater before discharge [1]; recycle water within production [1]; monitor and enforce limits on chemical effluent [1]; use less toxic dyes or cleaner production methods [1]; install filters and maintain boilers to reduce air pollution [1]; locate and manage waste safely away from the canal [1]; provide protective equipment and training for workers [1].
Question 17 Report
Fig. 1 shows a proposed freight corridor linking manufacturing areas in Punjab with dry ports, Gwadar and markets beyond Pakistan. The plan includes a motorway, rail terminal, warehouse and customs post. Policy makers are considering whether improved connections will produce balanced regional development.
(a) Identify the coastal port shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe two functions of the dry port or warehouse in the freight system. [2]
(c) Explain three reasons why better transport links can increase trade. [3]
(d) Analyse four factors that could prevent the corridor from benefiting all regions of Pakistan equally. [4]
(a) Gwadar [1] (b) Any two: containers can be consolidated or stored [1]; customs documentation and clearance can be completed inland [1]; goods can transfer between road and rail [1]; warehousing allows firms to manage stock before export [1]. (c) Any three: faster journeys reduce delivery time [1]; lower transport costs can make exports more competitive [1]; reliable routes reduce damage and uncertainty for firms [1]; access to ports connects producers to international markets [1]; improved logistics can attract investment [1]. (d) Any four: investment may concentrate near the route and major cities [1]; remote areas without feeder roads may remain isolated [1]; local people may lack skills needed for new higher-paid jobs [1]; land acquisition may displace households or farmers [1]; security problems can deter firms and raise costs [1]; unequal access to electricity, finance or internet can limit local businesses [1]; profits may go to outside companies rather than local communities [1].
Answer Details
(a) Gwadar [1] (b) Any two: containers can be consolidated or stored [1]; customs documentation and clearance can be completed inland [1]; goods can transfer between road and rail [1]; warehousing allows firms to manage stock before export [1]. (c) Any three: faster journeys reduce delivery time [1]; lower transport costs can make exports more competitive [1]; reliable routes reduce damage and uncertainty for firms [1]; access to ports connects producers to international markets [1]; improved logistics can attract investment [1]. (d) Any four: investment may concentrate near the route and major cities [1]; remote areas without feeder roads may remain isolated [1]; local people may lack skills needed for new higher-paid jobs [1]; land acquisition may displace households or farmers [1]; security problems can deter firms and raise costs [1]; unequal access to electricity, finance or internet can limit local businesses [1]; profits may go to outside companies rather than local communities [1].
