Upper Indus Plain

The Upper Indus Plain is a vast, fertile agricultural region in northern Pakistan, primarily located in the Punjab province. Formed by alluvial deposits from the Indus River and its five major tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), it supports one of the world’s largest interconnected irrigation networks.

Key Characteristics

• Geography: Slopes gently from the Himalayan foothills down to Mithankot, where the plain narrows.
• The Doabs: The landscape is defined by “doabs” (land between two rivers) containing distinct geographical features like active floodplains, meander floodplains, and alluvial terraces.
• Economy: It serves as the “breadbasket” of Pakistan. The extensive canal network feeds massive wheat, rice, and cotton production.
• Climate & Resources: Fed reliably by Himalayan glacial melt, the area features dense populations and major economic hubs, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad.