Natural resources have a huge significance in the economic development of any nation. In this article, I will discuss Pakistan’s natural resources and their importance in a tabular form.
What are the natural resources?
Natural resources are very important for the economic development of any country. The countries with natural resources can be among the world’s developed nations only if they use their natural resources intelligently and effectively.
What is the importance of natural resources in economic development?Â
Like many countries, Pakistan is also blessed with an abundance of natural resources such as minerals, energy, and forests. Making wise and intelligent use of these resources can help Pakistan become one of the world’s economically strong nations.
The table given below mentions and defines different types of natural resources found in Pakistan. It also illustrates the uses of these resources.
Types of resources |
Definitions |
Examples |
Uses/Importance |
Mineral Resources | Mineral resources are natural substances obtained from under the surface of the earth (Though they may not be far away). |
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Industries use mineral resources as raw materials in the manufacture of technology used in different sectors of the economy. For example, gypsum is an important raw material in cement making, copper is electric wires and electronic devices, limestone in dyes, cement making, paints, etc. Similarly, Iron acts as a raw material for steel making which has further use in transport and other fields of economy.
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Energy/power Resources | Energy resources/power resources are used to obtain energy to fulfill different energy needs.
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Some of the examples of energy resources along with their uses are as follows;
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Forests | Forests are extensive, continuous areas of land dominated by trees. |
Types of forest
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The importance of forests concerning Pakistan is discussed with help of examples as given below:Sources of fule woodForests such as mangroves and alpines act as the main source of firewood in coastal and highland areas respectively where there is no supply of natural gas. Source of timberForest provides timber. Alpine trees act as a source of wood used in making furniture and boxes. Likewise, the Riverine forest also provides timber for making furniture and agricultural implements. In coastal areas, people make use of mangroves for making furniture and roof of their cottages. Protection of EnvironmentForests protect the environment as they conserve soil and help in checking floods. They also act as a habitat for good breeding and conserving birds and other wildlife. Â Additionally, they provide scenic beauty thus attracting tourists and provide a source of income for local people. For example, Mangroves provide breeding grounds for marine life, i.e. fish, shrimps. Livestock such as camels feeds on the leaves of mangroves. They also protect coastlines from damage done by erosion, storm, and wave action. Moreover. they act as a hindrance against the intensity of earthquakes and consequent tsunamis by absorbing shock waves. Source of vegetationForests are used for grazing purposes and as sources of nutrition for different animals. For example, the fallen leaves of mangroves provide nutrition for marine life. Uses of Irrigated forestsIrrigated forest refers to such forests that are planted and watered by man. They are also important sources of timber and firewood. Along with a multitude of other important uses, they also provide shade when planted linearly. |