Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
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Lakes in Pakistan
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By
Sajid Mahmood Ansari
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.
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
Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff pollutes lakes like Manchar and Keenjhar.
Siltation: Glacial melt lakes and reservoirs are vulnerable to silt accumulation.
Climate Change: Glacial retreat threatens high-altitude lakes; some are expanding rapidly (GLOFs).
Over-extraction and Drainage: Excessive water use lowers lake levels.
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.
Exploring the Qur’anic Chronology of Creation reveals a profound perspective on how our universe transformed from a single point into the complex world we live in today. While modern science focuses on the "how," the Qur’an describes creation in meaningful stages that highlight the purpose behind the heavens and the earth. This layered journey moves from the initial act of creation to the detailed shaping of the stars, planets, and life, finally culminating in the appearance of human beings. In this article, we break down these stages to show how the Qur’an presents a beautifully coherent and purposeful vision of the universe. 1. Chronology of Creation Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: 9. قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُۥ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ 10. وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِنْ فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَىٰ لِلسَّائِلِينَ 11. ثُمَ...
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