Quetta

Introduction

Quetta, derived from kwatta meaning fort in Pushtu, the fruit garden of Pakistan and the capital of Baluchistan is the legendary stronghold of the western frontier. It sits at 1,680 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level.

Quetta is one of the most important military stations of the country, occupying a vital and strategic position on account of the fact that the boundaries of Iran and Afghanistan meet here, and the Bolan Pass lies on important lines of communications.

Area and Population

It has a population of around 676,941 people with an area of about 2,653 sq. kms. The district lies at 30.21°North latitude and 67.02° East longitude.

Culture

Quetta tribesman are strong and silent in their bearing, they are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition. The main bazaar on Jinnah Road is full of Pathan traders wearing huge turbans, Baluchi hawkers with red embroidered caps, and  full-skirted nomad women carrying bundles of imported cloth for sale.

It is always crowded and colorful. Baluchi mirror-work embroidery, jackets, fur coats, sandals, Afghan carpets onyx,semiprecious stones, dried fruit and nuts are the best buys in the bazaar.The Kandahari Bazaar on Iqbal Road, which crosses Jinnah Road at right angles, and the Liaquat Bazaar on Liaquat Road, are also good hunting grounds for Baluchi souvenirs.

Attractions

Quetta is a major Tourist attraction. It envisages all the colors of thrill, adventure and enjoyment. Some prominent bazaars of Quetta are on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaquat (Liaquat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar).

Here tourists can find colorful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work embroidery which is admired all over the world. For Cuisine crazy, there are lots of sumptuous dishes to feast upon.

One must-try balochi dish is their specialty called, "Sajji" (leg of lamb), which is roasted to a delightful degree of tenderness and is not very spicy.

For Flora of Quetta, one may find about 225 species of some pretty exotic plants like; pistachios, juniper, wild olives, wild ash and wild almonds. Also found amongst such Flora are wide range of shrubs like; wild fig, barbery, wild cherry, makhi and herbs like; Ephedra intermadia, gerardiana etc.

Education

The city is the site of a geophysical institute, the geological survey of Pakistan, Sandeman Library, and two government colleges affiliated with the University of Peshawar. In 1970, with the creation of the University of Baluchistan a new wave of educational experience started for the residents of Quetta.

Communication

Although Quetta is on the western edge of PAKISTAN but still it is connected with the country through a wide network of roads, railways and airways. Quetta is connected to Lahore by 727 mile long railway line. Similarly it is also connected through railways with Peshawar (986 mils away) and Karachi which is 536 miles away.

Quetta is well connected by roads to the rest of the country. A recently built road connects it with Karachi through Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Las Bela. Another road connecting Quetta to Karachi follows the Sibi, Jacobabad, Sukkur and Hyderabad route.

Quetta and Lahore are also connected through two routes. The older route is the Sibi, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan route. Another route is via Loralai, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan.