Explanation

• Thar Desert is the largest desert in Pakistan.
• It is the only subtropical desert in Asia.
• It is the 3rd largest in Asia.
• It spans an area of 175,000 square kilometers.
• It covers large areas of Pakistan and India.

Pakistan hosts five major deserts which were historic forests:

1. Cholistan (Bahawalpur, Punjab)
2. Thal (Bakhar district of Punjab)
3. Katpana desert (Sakardu)
4. Kharan desert (Balochistan)
5. Thar desert (Sindh)

Last verified on 02-04-2026

Explanation

• Dasht-e Lut is located in southeastern Iran.
• It lies mainly in the provinces of Kerman and Sistan & Balochistan (Iran).
• Area: 51,800 km²
• Length: 480 km (approx.)
• Rank: 33rd largest desert in the world
• UNESCO listing: 17 July 2016

Last verified on 02-05-2026

Explanation

• The only fertile desert in the world is the Tharparkar Desert,
• Located in Sindh, Pakistan.
• Known as the world's 18th-largest desert,
• It is deemed "fertile" because, unlike typical arid deserts,
• Around 85% of the desert is in India, while the remaining part is in Sindh

Last updated question by NS on 11 May 2026

Explanation

• The Balochistan Plateau is the largest natural region of Pakistan by area.
• Important water storage systems there include dams and karez irrigation systems
• It receives very little rainfall and has limited water resources.
• Therefore, it faces serious water scarcity problems.

Last verified on 07-05-2026

Explanation

• Katpana Desert is a cold desert located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
• Popular for photography, jeep safaris, and desert snow landscapes.

Additional information:

• Altitude: 2,226 meters above sea level
• Global ranking: 16th largest desert in the world
• Approximate area: ~50 km²
• Average winter temperature: -10°C to 5°C

Last verified on 12-03-2026