Lakes in Pakistan

By
In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

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

 Leaflet  © OpenStreetMap contributors

2. Classification of Lakes in Pakistan

A. Based on Origin

  1. Glacial/Alpine Lakes – Found in the high-altitude regions, formed by glacier melt (e.g., Saif-ul-Malook).
  2. Tectonic Lakes – Created due to tectonic activity (e.g., Hanna Lake).
  3. Oxbow/Depression Lakes – Formed in river floodplains (e.g., Manchar Lake).
  4. 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

  1. Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff pollutes lakes like Manchar and Keenjhar.
  2. Siltation: Glacial melt lakes and reservoirs are vulnerable to silt accumulation.
  3. Climate Change: Glacial retreat threatens high-altitude lakes; some are expanding rapidly (GLOFs).
  4. Over-extraction and Drainage: Excessive water use lowers lake levels.
  5. 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.

Cosmologist, Geologist & Mentor