Pakistan is located in South Asia, sharing its borders with several countries and occupying a strategic position on the map.
To the east, Pakistan shares a lengthy border with India, stretching over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles). This border is marked by significant historical and cultural intersections as well as ongoing political tensions, particularly over the Kashmir region. To the west, Pakistan borders Afghanistan and Iran, providing vital links to Central Asia and the Middle East. The border with Afghanistan is notably porous and rugged, often influencing regional dynamics. To the north, Pakistan shares a short but crucial border with China, through the Karakoram Range, facilitating important economic and strategic ties via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Pakistan's landscape is diverse, ranging from the towering peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram in the north, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, to the fertile plains of the Punjab and Sindh regions. The southern coast along the Arabian Sea offers ports like Karachi and Gwadar, key for trade and economic activities. The Thar Desert to the southeast and the rugged terrain of Balochistan add to the country's geographic variety.
Major cities like Islamabad (the capital), Karachi (the largest city and economic hub), Lahore (cultural heart), and Peshawar (gateway to the Khyber Pass) are central to Pakistan's identity, each contributing uniquely to its national tapestry.