Quetta

Quetta is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. It lies in the Quetta Valley, a region home to Pashtun tribes such as the Kasi. The city is part of the Pashtun cultural area linking southern Afghanistan with northern Balochistan. With over 1.7 million people, Quetta is the ninth largest city in Pakistan.

The city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains and is at an elevation of 1,680 metres (5,510 feet) above sea level, making it the highest major city in Pakistan. Quetta is often called the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" because of its many fruit orchards and the variety of fresh and dried fruits grown there.

Quetta is an important trade and communication hub between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is close to the Bolan Pass, a historic route from Central Asia to South Asia. The city also lies near the road leading to Kandahar.

Etymology

The name Quetta comes from a Pashto word, Kwatkōṭ, which means "fortress." In the past, the city was called Shalkot.

History

The name Quetta comes from the Pashto word meaning "fort", referring to the valley's natural defenses and an old mud-walled citadel called the Miri Fort.

The Quetta valley was first mentioned in history in the 11th century when a ruler named Mahmud of Ghazni passed through. In 1543, another important leader, Humayun, also traveled through the area.

For many years, the valley was home to Pashtun tribes, especially the Kasi tribe, who were the main farmers and landowners. They owned the land, managed grazing areas, and controlled water systems.

Later, the area became part of the Afghan Durrani Empire. During the time of British rule, Quetta grew as a military and administrative center. The city faced a major earthquake in 1935 but was rebuilt. After Pakistan was created in 1947, Quetta became the capital of the Balochistan province.

Main article: Balochistan

Climate

Main article: Climate of Quetta

Quetta has a cold semi-arid climate with big changes between summer and winter temperatures. Summer starts in late May and ends in early September, with average temperatures from 24 to 26 °C. Winter begins in late November and ends in late February, with average temperatures near 4–5 °C. Spring runs from early March to mid-May, and autumn from mid-September to mid-November.

The city does not have a rainy monsoon season like other parts of Pakistan. The most rain in one day was 113 millimetres, recorded on 17 December 2000. Snowfall in winter has been unpredictable over the years.

Demographics

Quetta is the largest city in Balochistan province and one of the big cities in Pakistan. Many different groups of people live there. Most people are Pashtun, but there are also Balochs, Hazaras, Brahui, Sindhis, Saraikis, Punjabis, and people who speak Urdu. Urdu is the national language and everyone understands it.

Administration

Quetta is run by a local group called a municipal corporation. This group has 66 members who choose a mayor and a deputy mayor to lead the city. There is also a special group called the Quetta Development Authority that helps provide important services for the people living there.

Transportation

Quetta is located in western Pakistan and is linked to the rest of the country through roads, railways, and an international airport near the city center.

Quetta International Airport is the second-highest airport in Pakistan, sitting 1,605 metres above sea level. Pakistan International Airlines offers regular flights to major cities such as Islamabad, Gwadar, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Quetta Railway Station is also one of the highest in Pakistan, at 1,676 metres above sea level. The railway was built in the 1890s during British rule and connects Quetta to Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar through an extensive network. A paved road runs alongside the railway, linking Quetta to towns like Sibi, Jacobabad, and Rohri near the River Indus.

Education

Quetta is an important place for learning in the Balochistan province. The city has many schools and colleges, both run by the government and private groups. Some well-known places to study in Quetta include Balochistan Agriculture College, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), and Bolan Medical College, among others.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Quetta. The city has produced many good players for the Pakistan national football team, such as Abdul Wahid Durrani, Qayyum Changezi, Ayub Dar, Mohammad Ali, and Rajab Ali Hazara. Main football clubs from Quetta include Baloch Quetta and Hazara Club Quetta. The Ayub National Stadium is the main football ground and is also used for athletics. Other football grounds are Qayyum Papa Stadium and Sadiq Shaheed Stadium.

Bugti Stadium is where the Balochistan cricket team plays, and the Quetta-based team Quetta Gladiators competes in the Pakistan Super League.

Boxing is also very popular. Muhammad Waseem is a professional boxer from Quetta. In body building, Nisar Ahmed Khilji has won titles such as Mr. Balochistan and Mr. Pakistan.

Facilities

The city has facilities for mountain climbing and caving, as well as water sports. Hayatullah Khan Durrani leads the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy, Balochistan’s first academy for rowing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and boating. The academy offers these activities free to young people at Hanna Lake.

Twin towns and sister cities

Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Pakistan