Introduction
Pakistan is home to some of the most fascinating deserts in the world, each with its unique geography, culture, and history. These deserts are not only a key topic in competitive exams like PPSC, FPSC, NTS, and PTS but also a testament to the country’s diverse landscape. In this post, we will explore the major deserts of Pakistan, their local names, geographical features, and significance, along with MCQs to help you prepare for your exams.
Deserts of Pakistan: Key Details
| Desert Name | Local Name(s) | Location | Area (km²) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thar Desert | Great Indian Desert | Sindh, Punjab (extends into India) | 200,000 | Largest desert in Pakistan, rich in culture, known for Rann of Kutch. |
| Cholistan Desert | Rohi | Punjab | 26,000 | Famous for Derawar Fort, annual Cholistan Jeep Rally. |
| Kharan Desert | Sandy Desert | Balochistan | 20,000 | Known for its sand dunes and arid climate. |
| Thal Desert | N/A | Punjab | 10,000 | Located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. |
| Katpana Desert | Cold Desert | Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan | 2,500 | One of the highest deserts in the world, known for cold climate. |
Key Facts for Test Preparation
- Largest Desert: Thar Desert (200,000 km²).
- Coldest Desert: Katpana Desert (Skardu).
- Desert with Derawar Fort: Cholistan Desert.
- Desert in Balochistan: Kharan Desert.
- Desert between Indus and Jhelum: Thal Desert.
10 MCQs on Deserts in Pakistan
Test your knowledge with these MCQs, perfect for PPSC, FPSC, NTS, and PTS exams:
- Which is the largest desert in Pakistan?
A) Cholistan
B) Thar
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: B) Thar - What is the local name of the Cholistan Desert?
A) Rohi
B) Sandy Desert
C) Cold Desert
D) Great Indian Desert
Answer: A) Rohi - Which desert is known for the Derawar Fort?
A) Thar
B) Cholistan
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: B) Cholistan - Where is the Katpana Desert located?
A) Sindh
B) Punjab
C) Gilgit-Baltistan
D) Balochistan
Answer: C) Gilgit-Baltistan - Which desert is located in Balochistan?
A) Thar
B) Cholistan
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: C) Kharan - What is the area of the Thar Desert?
A) 10,000 km²
B) 20,000 km²
C) 26,000 km²
D) 200,000 km²
Answer: D) 200,000 km² - Which desert is known as the “Cold Desert”?
A) Thar
B) Katpana
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: B) Katpana - Which desert is located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers?
A) Thar
B) Cholistan
C) Thal
D) Kharan
Answer: C) Thal - Which desert is part of the Great Indian Desert?
A) Thar
B) Cholistan
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: A) Thar - Which desert hosts the annual Jeep Rally?
A) Thar
B) Cholistan
C) Kharan
D) Thal
Answer: B) Cholistan
