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. The name Quetta is derived from kwatta, meaning fort in Pushto (the regional language).
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.
Geography and climate
Quetta city is comprised of a valley and is a natural fort, surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar and Zarghun. surrounded by three different mountain ranges. It is north west of Karachi and south west of Islamabad.
Quetta has minimum winter temperatures ranging well below freezing point and as low as -18˚C, while maximum winter temperatures seldom crosses 25˚C. Snowfall was a common feature in months of December – February till early ninties but after that snowfall has become rare in winters due to drought that was severe during 1999–2001. Summer maximum and minimum temperature hover around 42˚C and 12˚C (53˚F) respectively. Unlike to the rest of the country, Quetta does not have a fertile rainy season during monsoon time. In general Quetta has a dry climate. It receive rainfall during the winter season from December – March.
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.
Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further North, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the bad copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cites of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be had at very reasonable prices to quite fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough to be fairly portable. For those interested in local cuisine, there are many sumptuous dishes to feast upon. The "Sajji" (leg of lamb), Hazaragi Aash, Mantho is said to be very good by locals. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy "Landhi" (whole lamb), which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. "Kebab" shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kabab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food, while Cafe China specializes in Chinese cuisine. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the "Pulao" that most of the eating houses offer. Small and clean hotels in Alamdar road provide real comfort for tourists in peaceful environments.
Natural Beauty
A wide variety of Mammals like Markhors, "Gad" (wild sheep), leopards, wolves, hyena, hares, wild cats and porcupines can be found in Quetta. While Birds may contain species of partridge, warblers, shikras, blue rock pigeon, rock nuthatch, golden eagle, sparrows, hawks, falcons and bearded vultures etc.
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.
