List of all Rivers of Pakistan

Rivers of Pakistan: Overview

Pakistan, a land of diverse landscapes, is richly blessed with an extensive river system that forms the backbone of its agricultural economy and natural ecosystem. The rivers of Pakistan primarily originate from the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, flowing through various regions before draining into the Arabian Sea. These rivers not only support irrigation and drinking water needs but also play a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation.

The most important river is the Indus River, which is one of the longest rivers in Asia and the lifeline of Pakistan. It forms the core of the Indus River System, which includes major tributaries such as the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers. In addition to these, Pakistan is home to several other rivers flowing in provinces like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan, each with its unique significance and regional impact.

Major Rivers of Pakistan and Their Barrages & Headworks

Below is a list of major rivers in Pakistan along with the barrages and headworks constructed on them, including their respective years of completion:

River	Barrages / Headworks
Chenab River	• Marala (1968) • Khanki (1992) • Qadirabad (1967)
Indus River	• Jinnah (1947) • Chashma (1971) • Taunsa (1959) • Guddu (1962) • Sukkur (1932) • Kotri (1954) • Ghazi Barotha (2002)
Jhelum River	• Rasul Barrage (1967) • Trimmu (1939) • Upper Jhelum Canal (linked to Mangla Dam)
Kabul River	• Warsak (Initial canal: 1890, Barrage completed in 1962)
Panjnad River	• Panjnad Barrage (1932)
Ravi River	• Balloki (1965) • Sidhnai (1965)
Swat River	• Amandra Headworks (1915) • Munda Headworks (initial: 1885 / updated: 1917)
Sutlej River	• Sulemanki (1928) • Islam Barrage (1928)

This article presents a province-wise classification of rivers in Pakistan based on their characteristics and significance. It includes major rivers, such as the Indus and Chenab, which are large, perennial rivers forming the primary watercourses of the nation. It also covers tributaries and streams, like the Soan, Haro, and Panjkora, which flow into larger rivers and support regional water systems. Seasonal rivers, such as the Basol, Rakshan, and Bolan, flow only during specific seasons, usually after monsoon rains or glacial melt.

In contrast, former rivers or urban drains, like Lyari and Gujjar Nala, were once natural rivers but have been altered significantly due to urban development. Cross-border or external rivers, including the Helmand, Yarkand, and Shaksgam, originate in or flow into neighboring countries, reflecting the transnational nature of water systems.

Finally, ancient rivers, such as the Ghaggar-Hakra and Sarasvati, are now dry but historically significant, often linked to early human civilizations in the region.

List of Rivers of Pakistan: Details

With the foundational context in place, we now turn to a detailed listing of Pakistan’s rivers, organized by province and categorized according to their hydrological characteristics. This section highlights not only the major and perennial rivers that shape the national water system but also includes tributaries, seasonal streams, historically significant channels, and cross-border rivers.

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Punjab – The Land of Rivers

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Punjab, meaning “Land of Five Rivers,” derives its very name from its rich fluvial heritage. Located in the heart of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, Punjab is nourished by some of the most significant rivers of the Indus Basin. These rivers not only irrigate vast farmlands but also support the livelihoods of millions across the province. Below is a detailed overview of the rivers that flow through Punjab, categorized by their type and historical relevance.

Major Rivers

Indus River

The Indus River briefly enters southwestern Punjab near the district of Mianwali. Although its primary course lies through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, it plays a vital role in Punjab’s irrigation network by receiving waters from its major eastern tributaries.

Jhelum River

The Jhelum River enters Pakistan from Indian-administered Kashmir and flows through northeastern Punjab. It passes near the districts of Jhelum and Sargodha, eventually merging with the Chenab River at Trimmu Headworks in Jhang. It is a key source of irrigation and hydropower in the region.

Chenab River

The Chenab River enters Punjab near Sialkot and flows through several districts including Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, and Jhang. It is the largest river entirely flowing within Punjab and serves as a backbone of the province’s canal irrigation system. It eventually merges with the Sutlej River to form the Panjnad.

Ravi River

The Ravi River enters Pakistan near Narowal and flows along the eastern boundary of Punjab. It passes through Lahore before joining the Chenab River near Ahmadpur Sial. Though its flow has reduced significantly due to upstream diversions in India, it remains historically and agriculturally important.

Sutlej River

The Sutlej enters Pakistan near Kasur and continues southward through Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur. It joins the Chenab River to form the Panjnad near Uch Sharif. Once a major water source, much of its flow is now diverted under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Panjnad River

The Panjnad River is formed near Uch Sharif by the confluence of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas (now in India), and Sutlej rivers. It flows into the Indus River near Mithankot in southern Punjab. The Panjnad Headworks controls irrigation to the Bahawalpur region.

Soan River

The Soan originates near Murree and flows through Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Chakwal. It is a key drainage channel for the Pothohar Plateau and eventually joins the Indus River near Mianwali. Though seasonal in nature, it plays an important role in the upper Punjab region’s water system.

Haro River

Originating in the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Haro River enters Punjab near Attock. It feeds into the Khanpur Dam and serves as a water source for Rawalpindi and Islamabad before merging with the Indus River.

Ling Stream

The Ling Stream is a smaller watercourse in northern Punjab that flows near Rawalpindi. It contributes to the local drainage system and eventually merges with the Soan River.

Tributaries and Streams

Tawi River

The Tawi River rises in Jammu (India) and briefly enters northeastern Punjab near the Sialkot region. It serves as a minor tributary to the Chenab River and has limited but local importance in the border districts.

Manawar Tawi River

The Manawar Tawi is another small river flowing from Jammu into the Sialkot district of Punjab. It joins the Chenab River near Marala and is part of the larger tributary system supporting eastern Punjab.

Ancient or Dried Rivers

Beas River

The Beas River was historically one of the five rivers of Punjab but now flows entirely within Indian territory. Its absence today is a result of post-partition territorial realignment and upstream diversions.

Ghaggar-Hakra River

Believed to be the remnant of the ancient Sarasvati River, the Ghaggar-Hakra once flowed through eastern Punjab and the Cholistan Desert. Now largely dried, it is of great archaeological importance due to its association with the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Sindh – Lower Indus & Coastal Rivers

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Sindh, located in the southeastern part of Pakistan, is the final recipient of the mighty Indus River before it enters the Arabian Sea. The province’s geography and culture are deeply intertwined with its river systems, which not only support agriculture but also shape its urban and coastal ecosystems. Alongside the Indus, several seasonal and urban rivers contribute to the water management and drainage networks of Sindh.

Major Rivers:

Indus River

The Indus River is the lifeline of Sindh, entering the province near Guddu Barrage and flowing southward through major cities such as Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, and Thatta before emptying into the Arabian Sea near the Indus Delta. It supports extensive irrigation systems, including the Nara and Rohri canals, and is vital to Sindh’s agriculture, economy, and ecology.

Malir River

The Malir River originates from the northeast of Karachi and flows southwest through the city before discharging into the Arabian Sea near Korangi Creek. It is a seasonal river, active primarily during monsoon rains, and plays an important role in draining parts of Karachi.

Lyari River

Once a natural river flowing through Karachi, the Lyari River has largely transformed into an urban drain due to heavy encroachments and untreated sewage. Originating in the northeast of the city, it flows westward into the Arabian Sea near the Karachi Harbour. Despite its degraded condition, it remains a critical part of Karachi’s drainage system.

Gujjar Nala

Gujjar Nala is a major stormwater drain in central Karachi, historically a natural stream that has been converted into an urban drainage channel. It flows parallel to the Lyari River and serves as a conduit for monsoon runoff, though it now suffers from severe pollution and encroachment issues.

Orangi Nala

Orangi Nala is another prominent urban drainage channel in Karachi, originally a natural seasonal stream. It flows through the Orangi Town area and eventually merges with the Lyari River. Like other urban rivers, it plays a crucial role in managing stormwater but faces challenges of overpopulation and poor waste management.

Hub River

The Hub River marks the boundary between Sindh and Balochistan. Originating in the Balochistan hills, it flows southeast into Sindh and forms the Hub Dam reservoir near Karachi. The river is an essential source of drinking water for western Karachi and supports limited agriculture along its lower course.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – Mountain and Tributary Rivers

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a land of towering mountains and fast-flowing rivers, many of which originate in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan ranges. These rivers feed into the mighty Indus and form an essential part of the province’s hydrological network, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and local communities. Below is a detailed overview of the major rivers flowing through KP.

Major Rivers:

Kabul River

The Kabul River is the primary river in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It enters Pakistan at the Torkham border from Afghanistan and flows through Khyber, Peshawar, and Nowshera before joining the Indus River near Attock. It serves as a key water source for irrigation and hydropower, including the Warsak Dam.

Swat River

Originating in the Hindu Kush near Kalam, the Swat River flows south through the scenic Swat Valley, passing Mingora and Malakand. It merges with the Panjkora River and later joins the Kabul River near Charsadda. Known for its clear waters and hydroelectric potential, the Swat River is central to the valley’s agriculture and tourism.

Panjkora River

The Panjkora River originates in the Hindu Raj range near Dir and flows southward through Upper and Lower Dir districts. It joins the Swat River near Chakdara. The river is a major tributary in KP’s river system and supports both irrigation and fisheries in the region.

Tochi (Gambila) River

The Tochi River, also known as the Gambila, originates in North Waziristan and flows eastward into Bannu District. It is a seasonal river that supports limited agriculture and is one of the southern tributaries of the Indus basin within KP.

Kurram River

The Kurram River rises in the Kurram Valley near the Afghanistan border and flows through Kurram and Thal before entering Punjab. It ultimately joins the Indus River. The river is critical for irrigation and is regulated by the Kurram Tangi Dam under construction in North Waziristan.

Gomal River

Originating in the highlands of Afghanistan, the Gomal River enters Pakistan through South Waziristan and flows eastward through Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. It joins the Indus River south of D.I. Khan. The Gomal Zam Dam has been constructed on this river to provide irrigation and electricity.

Bara River

The Bara River flows from the Tirah Valley in Khyber District and moves southeastward into the plains of Peshawar before joining the Kabul River near Warsak. It is a seasonal river that contributes to local agriculture and drainage in the region.

Kunar River (Kunar Rud)

The Kunar River originates in the Chitral region (where it’s known as the Lutkho River) and flows into Afghanistan before re-entering Pakistan as part of the Kabul River system. It has a steep gradient and contributes significantly to the Kabul River’s flow and hydropower potential.

River Jindi

The Jindi River is a small tributary of the Kabul River that flows through the Charsadda district. Though minor in size, it is important for local irrigation and forms part of the complex riverine network around Peshawar Valley.

Siran River

The Siran River rises in the Kaghan Valley and flows southwest through Mansehra District. It is a tributary of the Indus River and supports agriculture in the lower Hazara region. The Siran Valley through which it flows is known for its natural beauty and productivity.

Tangir River

The Tangir River originates in the mountainous Tangir Valley of Upper Kohistan. It flows westward to merge with the Indus River near Dasu. Though relatively lesser known, it is an important tributary in northern KP and supports scattered settlements along its course.

Kunhar River

The Kunhar River originates from Lulusar Lake near Babusar Pass and flows through the scenic Kaghan Valley. Passing Naran, Kaghan, and Balakot, it eventually joins the Jhelum River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Its clear glacial waters are a source of natural beauty and hydroelectric generation.

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Balochistan – Seasonal and Endorheic Rivers

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Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, is defined by rugged mountains, arid plateaus, and an intricate network of seasonal rivers. Unlike the perennial rivers of other provinces, most of Balochistan’s rivers are ephemeral—active only during rains—and flow into inland basins or deserts, making them endorheic in nature. The province also shares hydrological links with Afghanistan and Iran, while remnants of ancient riverbeds trace back to prehistoric water systems.

Seasonal/Endorheic Rivers:

Dasht River

The Dasht River flows in southwestern Balochistan, particularly through Kech and Gwadar districts. It is a key seasonal river formed by the confluence of the Kech and Nihing rivers. The Mirani Dam has been built on the Dasht River, providing vital irrigation and flood protection for the Makran coastal region.

Kech River

The Kech River originates in the Makran Range and flows westward through the Kech Valley near Turbat. It serves as one of the two main tributaries of the Dasht River. Although seasonal, the river is important for local agriculture and is prone to flash flooding during monsoon rains.

Basol River

The Basol River flows through the desolate terrain of Gwadar District and ultimately drains into the Arabian Sea. Its dry riverbed remains inactive for most of the year but fills rapidly during storms. Though not a source of sustained water, it helps recharge groundwater in the Makran coast.

Hingol River

The Hingol River is the longest river in Balochistan, stretching over 350 kilometers through Lasbela and Gwadar districts. It flows through the Hingol National Park and empties into the Arabian Sea. The river is ecologically significant and supports diverse wildlife despite being largely seasonal.

Nal River

Originating in central Balochistan near Khuzdar, the Nal River flows southwest toward Lasbela District. It is a seasonal river that contributes to local floodwater management. The valley around the river is sparsely cultivated, and its basin is susceptible to drought and erosion.

Porali River

The Porali River rises in the Khuzdar Hills and flows southward toward the Arabian Sea near Uthal. It supports limited agriculture through small-scale irrigation during the rainy season. Flash floods are common in its course, especially near Bela and Lasbela.

Hub River (Shared with Sindh)

The Hub River originates in the Pab Range in Balochistan and flows south into Sindh, forming the border between the two provinces. The Hub Dam, constructed on this river, supplies water to western Karachi and irrigates nearby lands. It is semi-perennial depending on rainfall.

Rakshan River

The Rakshan River flows through western Balochistan, particularly in Panjgur and Washuk districts. It follows an inland path, often drying up into a series of pools and marshes. The river’s basin is endorheic, meaning it doesn’t reach the sea, and supports traditional flood-based farming (sailaba).

Mashkel River

The Mashkel River originates near the Iranian border and flows eastward into the inland basins of Washuk and Kharan. It has no outlet to the sea and ends in desert wetlands. The river is crucial for subsistence farming and pastoralism in remote western Balochistan.

Bolan River

The Bolan River flows through the historic Bolan Pass in eastern Balochistan. It is a seasonal river originating near Mian Ghundi and flows through Sibi before dissipating into the plains. Historically, it served as a natural trade and invasion route into the subcontinent.

Mula River

The Mula River originates in the central highlands near Jhal Magsi and flows through the plains toward the Kachhi Basin. It is heavily dependent on rainfall and supports agriculture in the region during monsoon. Flash floods and drought cycles affect its annual flow significantly.

Nari River

The Nari River flows through the districts of Sibi and Kachhi. It is a seasonal watercourse, vital for irrigation when active, particularly in agricultural zones surrounding the Nari Gorge. The Nari–Bolari system is often discussed together in local water management studies.

Anambar River

A smaller seasonal river located in northeastern Balochistan, the Anambar flows sporadically during rains and contributes to local recharge in the hilly terrain. It supports traditional agriculture in patches near Loralai and surrounding areas.

Loralai River

The Loralai River runs through the eponymous Loralai District and feeds minor tributaries in the region. It contributes to seasonal agriculture and traditional flood irrigation practices. The riverbed usually remains dry but becomes active during the monsoon.

Loe Manda River

The Loe Manda River originates in the Suleiman Range and flows through parts of Zhob District. Though ephemeral, it channels valuable floodwaters used for irrigation in low-lying tribal areas. The surrounding terrain is dry, making its periodic flows significant for local livelihoods.

Beji River

The Beji River is a lesser-known seasonal stream in northern Balochistan, mainly flowing through sparsely populated valleys. It is among the small-scale rivers that help recharge aquifers during occasional rains and supports pockets of farming.

Cross-Border or External Rivers

Helmand River

The Helmand River originates in Afghanistan and flows southwest toward the Sistan Basin, forming part of the Iran–Afghanistan border. Though it does not enter Pakistan directly, its basin impacts the water table and weather patterns in far western Balochistan, especially near Chagai.

Arghandab River

A tributary of the Helmand River, the Arghandab flows entirely within Afghanistan. Its basin indirectly influences cross-border water dynamics and flash floods in parts of western Balochistan during extended rain events.

Lora (Dori) River

The Dori or Lora River also originates in Afghanistan and approaches Pakistan’s border near Chaman. It contributes to local groundwater recharge and is historically significant for ancient routes between Kandahar and Balochistan.

Ancient River

Ghaggar-Hakra River

Though mostly associated with eastern Punjab and Cholistan, ancient extensions of the Ghaggar-Hakra riverbed trace into eastern Balochistan. Believed to have once been a flowing river connected to the Sarasvati system, it now lies dry but visible in satellite imagery as paleochannels.

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Gilgit-Baltistan – Glacial and Mountain Rivers

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Gilgit-Baltistan, a mountainous region in northern Pakistan, is home to some of the most important glacial-fed rivers in South Asia. Due to its location in the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and western Himalayas, the region forms the headwaters of the mighty Indus River system. Most rivers here originate from glaciers, snowmelt, and high-altitude springs. These watercourses are not only crucial for Pakistan’s water supply and hydropower but also shape the region’s stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems. Several rivers in Gilgit-Baltistan also lie near or cross international borders, linking it hydrologically with China and India.

Major Rivers:

Indus River

The Indus River enters Pakistan through Gilgit-Baltistan near the town of Sarsing, Skardu. It cuts across the entire region from east to west, carving deep gorges through the mountains. Fed by numerous glaciers, including the Siachen and Baltoro, the Indus serves as the primary water artery of Pakistan and is vital for irrigation, power generation, and ecological balance.

Gilgit River

The Gilgit River originates from the Shandur region and flows southeast to meet the Indus near Jaglot. It passes through major towns like Gilgit and Gupis, collecting tributaries such as the Yasin and Ishkuman Rivers. It is essential for local settlements and agriculture and forms one of the Indus’ key tributaries.

Hunza River

Emerging from the Khunjerab Valley, the Hunza River runs through the spectacular Hunza Valley and merges with the Gilgit River near Nagar. It is glacial in origin and receives meltwater from glaciers like Batura and Ultar. The river also formed the Attabad Lake after a massive landslide in 2010.

Shyok River

The Shyok River originates from the Rimo Glacier in Ladakh (India) and enters Gilgit-Baltistan through the Saltoro Range. It flows along the eastern border and eventually joins the Indus at Keris near Khaplu. The river is crucial for eastern Baltistan and receives major tributaries like the Nubra and Saltoro.

Shigar River

The Shigar River flows through the scenic Shigar Valley and joins the Indus near Skardu. It is fed by the Braldu River, which in turn originates from the Baltoro Glacier. The river supports small-scale farming and provides water to several villages and orchards in the Skardu region.

Braldu River

Originating from the Baltoro and Biafo Glaciers near Concordia, the Braldu River flows through the rugged Braldu Valley. It is one of the wildest rivers in the region, known for extreme white-water rafting and breathtaking terrain. It later merges with the Shigar River near Askole.

Astore River

The Astore River flows from the eastern slopes of Nanga Parbat and joins the Indus near Jaglot. It is largely glacier-fed and supports the lush Astore Valley. The river plays a significant role in local agriculture and forms part of the basin feeding the Tarbela Dam downstream.

Tributaries & Glacial Rivers

Rupal River

The Rupal River flows from the Rupal Glacier south of Nanga Parbat and is a tributary of the Astore River. It runs through the Rupal Valley, a popular destination for trekkers, and is primarily active during the summer due to glacial melt.

Naltar River

The Naltar River originates from the Naltar Valley’s glacial lakes and joins the Hunza River. It supports the Naltar Hydropower Project and is one of the cleanest glacial rivers in the region. Its basin is lush and heavily forested.

Hispar River

Fed by the Hispar Glacier, the Hispar River merges with the Hunza River at Nagar. It forms part of the famous Hispar-Biafo Glacier system, one of the longest continuous glacier systems outside the polar regions. It’s vital to Nagar’s remote high-altitude communities.

Shimshal River

This river flows from the Shimshal Valley, originating near the Shimshal Pass. It is a tributary of the Hunza River and passes through narrow gorges. The river supports one of the highest settlements in Pakistan and is glacial in origin.

Chapursan River

The Chapursan River originates near the Irshad Pass and flows through the remote Chapursan Valley before joining the Hunza River. The area is known for alpine meadows and strong Wakhi culture. The river is snow and glacier-fed, active during summer.

Misgar River

This river flows from the Misgar Valley, near the Khunjerab Pass, and merges with the Hunza River. It lies near Pakistan’s northernmost border with China and serves as a water source for high-altitude settlements in Upper Hunza.

Khunjerab River

The Khunjerab River flows from the Khunjerab Pass and joins the Hunza River. It marks the entry of glacial waters into Pakistan from the China border, forming part of the broader Indus system.

Ishkuman River

Flowing through the Ishkuman Valley, this river merges with the Ghizer and later with the Gilgit River. It is formed by numerous glacial streams and supports agriculture and hydropower in the Ghizer District.

Yasin River

The Yasin River flows through the scenic Yasin Valley and joins the Ghizer River, eventually feeding into the Gilgit River. It is glacial in nature and provides water for orchards and terraced fields in the upper Ghizer region.

Satpara Stream

Fed by the Satpara Lake near Skardu, this stream is used extensively for local irrigation and hydropower. It runs through the town of Skardu and supports farming in surrounding villages.

Saltoro River

The Saltoro River originates from the Saltoro Mountains near the Line of Control and flows into the Shyok River. It runs along sensitive military zones and is mainly fed by high-altitude snow and glacier melt.

Hushe River

The Hushe River originates from the Gondogoro Glacier and flows through the Hushe Valley before merging into the Shyok River. It gives access to trekking routes like Concordia and supports small farming communities in the area.

Tangir River

Flowing through the Tangir Valley in Diamer District, the Tangir River is a western tributary of the Indus. It is largely snowmelt-fed and supports limited but vital agriculture in a remote part of Gilgit-Baltistan.

External Rivers (Border Influence)

Shaksgam River (from China)

The Shaksgam River flows through the Shaksgam Valley in Chinese-administered territory bordering Gilgit-Baltistan. Although it doesn’t directly enter Pakistan, it lies within the disputed area near the Karakoram Range and feeds into the Yarkand River system.

Yarkand River (China)

Originating from the Karakoram glaciers, the Yarkand River flows through southwestern Xinjiang, China. While it does not enter Gilgit-Baltistan, its basin lies near Pakistan’s northern borders and is linked to the broader Tarim Basin system.

Tarim River (China)

The Tarim River is the principal river of the Tarim Basin in China’s Xinjiang region. Although it is well north of Gilgit-Baltistan, it is the final collector of waters from rivers like the Yarkand and Shaksgam, forming a distant yet connected watershed.

Nubra River (from Siachen area)

Originating near the Siachen Glacier in Indian-administered Ladakh, the Nubra River joins the Shyok River. Though it does not enter Gilgit-Baltistan, its waters eventually flow into Pakistani territory through the Shyok–Indus system.

Suru River

The Suru River originates in the Zanskar region and flows into the Indus near Kargil. While it lies in Indian territory, it contributes to the overall Indus Basin, which flows into Gilgit-Baltistan downstream.

Dras River

Flowing through the Dras Valley, the Dras River joins the Suru River and eventually meets the Indus. It is considered one of the coldest inhabited river valleys and lies within the upper catchment zone affecting the Indus flow near Gilgit-Baltistan.

Shingo River

The Shingo River originates near the Kargil sector and flows through parts of Gilgit-Baltistan before merging with the Indus near the village of Olding. It is one of the few cross-border rivers that flow directly into Pakistani territory from Indian-held Kashmir.

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Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) – Rivers of Valleys and Vital Catchments

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Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), nestled in the western Himalayas and foothills of the Pir Panjal range, is rich in freshwater resources, thanks to its mountainous terrain and high precipitation. The rivers flowing through AJK are not only lifelines for local agriculture, fisheries, and hydropower but also vital components of the broader Indus Basin, supplying water to millions downstream. With their origins largely in Indian-administered Kashmir, these rivers flow through lush valleys and steep gorges, forming a key part of Pakistan’s national water network.

Major Rivers:

Jhelum River

The Jhelum River is the most important river in AJK, entering near Chakothi and flowing through Muzaffarabad. It serves as a backbone for agriculture, hydropower, and urban settlements. The river eventually reaches the Mangla Dam, one of Pakistan’s largest water reservoirs. It is vital for irrigation and energy production in both AJK and downstream Punjab.

Neelum River (Kishanganga)

Originating in Indian-administered Kashmir, the Neelum River enters AJK at Taobutt and flows through the picturesque Neelum Valley. It merges with the Jhelum River at Domel, Muzaffarabad. The river supports tourism, freshwater fisheries, and hydroelectricity—most notably via the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project. Its waters are essential to AJK’s environment and energy sector.

Poonch River

The Poonch River rises in the Pir Panjal range and enters AJK near Tetrinote, flowing through towns like Rawalakot, Hajira, and Kotli. It joins the Jhelum River near the Mangla Reservoir. The river is a key water source for irrigation and small-scale hydropower. It also holds strategic importance due to its location near the Line of Control.

Rivers are an essential natural asset of Pakistan, deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, economic development, and environmental sustainability. From the mighty Indus to the fast-flowing Swat and the seasonal Dasht, each river contributes to the livelihood of millions. Understanding and preserving these water bodies is vital, especially in the face of growing water scarcity and climate change challenges. This comprehensive list of rivers in Pakistan showcases the country’s natural richness and emphasizes the need for sustainable water resource management to ensure a secure future for generations to come.