3.3 Case Study - Pakistan Steel Flashcards
Location
- Pakistan sits to the west of India.
- Its eastern and southern parts are largely covered by the Indus River and its branches.
- To the north, the country rises to the great mountains, including K2, the world’s second highest mountain after Everest.
Location of Pakistan Steel
- In Karachi: the largest and the most industrialised city in Pakistan.
- With its location on the Arabian Sea, Karachi serves as a transport centre.
- Karachi is home to Pakistan’s two largest seaports, the Port of Karachi and Port Qasim, as well as Pakistan’s busiest airport, Jinnah International Airport.
What is Pakistan Steel?
- Pakistan Steel is one of the main suppliers of steel to all the major projects across Pakistan including infrastructure, power, dams, towers, airports, roads, etc.
- Pakistan Steel is located at a distance of 40 km southeast of Karachi close to Port Qasim at Pipri.
- Pakistan Steel is a costal site which lies on the National Highway and is linked to the railway network.
Factors affecting location
Site – Flat, cheap, and unused land available.
Natural routes – Port Qasim facilitates exports and imports. 2.5 km long seawater channel is kept navigable for ships.
Raw materials – Iron ore and manganese imported through Port Qasim. Limestone from Hakli Hills near Thatta. Water from Lake Haleji nearby.
Capital – USSR provide economic assistance (Technology and capital).
Energy – Port Qasim and Karachi have the highest electricity generating capacity in Pakistan.
Labour – Available locally from Karachi.
Markets – Most steel-using industries are located in Karachi. Over half of the steel produced is used in Punjab.
Transport – Pipri is connected to main Karachi-Kotri railway. Metalled road also connect this area to the main road network.
How does Pakistan Steel reduce its environmental impact?
- Pakistan Steel has invested in making the environment green and beautiful.
- We have reforested the area around the factories and set new targets for waste treatment, especially of freshwater supplies the feed lakes and reservoirs for the local community.
- We have also created a landscaped cricket ground, lakes, bird sanctuaries and a running track for employees. Given what was here before, nobody can argue that we have not improved environment.
