Pakistan emerged on the map of the world on 14th August 1947, as

a hallmark result of the partition of Indian sub-continent into two

sovereign states namely Pakistan and India.
What is Geography?
Geography is one of the most important elements of national power. The strength of
a nation and its chances of survival depend, to a great extent on its geographical
factor. This harnesses the power potentials of a state and significantly influences its
foreign and the security policies.

Location:
Pakistan lies between the latitudes 240-N to 360-N and between the longitudes
of 610-E to 750-E . it has an area of 796096 km2 and a population of 130.58
millions according to the 1998 census report.
Boundaries:
Towards north apart from the state of Kashmir is china. It shares 600 km long
boarder with china.
Towards north east Tajikistan though no boarder but a narrow strip as Wahkhan strip
separate the two.
Towards east, Punjab-Rajasthan boarders which is 1600 km long
Towards west, Afghanistan and Durand line of 2250 km.
Towards south west a 950 km long border seperates pakistan from iran.
Towards south, Arabian and Indian sea. Coastal belt is about 700 km.
Pakistan significance is enhanced as it lies near the Persian Gulf where 65% of the
worlds oil is produced.

Pakistans Geo-Strategic Position

Central Position in the Muslim World:

By virtue of its location, Pakistan occupies a central position in the Muslim
countries of the world. Pakistan is located in the midest of the extensive
chain of the Muslim nations spreading from Morocco in the West to Indonesia
in the Far East. Appreciating this esteemed position, the Vice-President of
Libya Abdul-Salam Jalud during his visit to Pakistan in 1978, called Pakistan
The Heart of The Muslim World.
Only Muslim country with nuclear capability:

in the region Pakistan is the only Muslim country having nuclear capability which has great
influence on the political, socio-economic activities in the region and the maintenance of status
quo in the region.

Importance in the World Politics:

Pakistan came into being only two year after the termination of the Second
World War. In the post-war period the USA and the USSR had emerged as
super powers. The two countries struggled hard to win the support of smaller
countries of the world and enhance their respective spheres of influence.
During this period, generally referred to as Cold War Era, Pakistan decided
to side with the American block. Due to its geographical position Pakistan
became the frontline state in the alliance of the states formed by the USA, to
contain the so called Russian expansionism. Pakistan also joined SEATO
and CENTO, the anti-Russian military alliances formed under American
umbrella. Notwithstanding the merits and demerits of this policy, we must
admit that Pakistan could rise to this position of superb importance in the
world politics only due to her strategic location.
Leadership of the Third World:
Due to her unconditional loyalty with the American block, Pakistan could not
attain a respectable position amongst the non-aligned and the third world
countries. In the later period, when Pakistan adopted a policy of nonalignment, her image in the Third World countries started improving. In the
year 1979, the then president of Pakistan was designated to represent the
Muslim World at Havana Conference of non-aligned countries. In 1980, he
was again given the honor of addressing the UN General Assembly as the
spokesman of the entire Muslim World.
Anti Expansionist Stance:
In spite of her meager resources, Pakistan took a firm stand against the
expansionist designs of the Soviet Union and offered sustained resistance to
the Russian intrusion in Afghanistan. The entire free world now appreciates
that it was Pakistans heroic fighting spirit that defeated the Russian designs
in Afghanistan and lead to the ultimate dismemberment of the Super Power.
Centre of Trade and Transit Routes:

Pakistan is placed in a highly strategic position on the world map. It is

located in the centre of the road and rail links between the countries of the
Far East and Iran, Turkey and Europe. Air and sea ports of Karachi offer a
central transit point between the European and the Asian states. Pakistans
warm water sea ports remain operative throughout the year.

Significance as a Transit economy:

Pakistan can develop its transit economy by the following facts:

Afghanistan is a land locked country and it is in a reconstruction phase so it
finds its ways through Pakistan.
China is developing his southern provinces because its own part is 4500 km
away from Sinkiang but Gwader is only 2500 km away.
Pakistan offers shortest route of 2600 km to Central Asian regions as
compared to Iran 4500 km or turkey 5000 km.
Gwader port with its deep waters attracts the trade ships of China, Central
Asian Countries and south East Asian countries.
The coastal belt of Baluchistan can provide outlet to chinas western
provinces to have access to Middle Eastern markets with the development of
coastal highways and motorways.
CONCLUSION / ANALYSIS:
Geo strategic means the importance of a country or a region as by virtue of its geographical
location. Stephen Cohn describes this importance while history has been unkind with Pakistan,
its geography has been its greatest benefit.
Pakistan is a junction of south Asia, west Asia and central Asia; a way from resource efficient
countries to resource deficient countries. The world is facing energy crises and terrorism.
Pakistan is a route for transportation and a front line state against terrorism. Moreover Pakistan
has been traditionally ally of emerging economic giant; china. So in the vague of any change in
world politics, Pakistans geo-strategic significance would further be enhanced.