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Quetta is also spelled Kuwatah which is a variation
of Kot, a Pashto word meaning fortress. It is surrounded by four grand
hills, Murdaar, Zarghoon, Takatu and Chiltan, that form a natural
rampart, almost acting as guards around the city. Quetta is the the
Capital of Balochistan province and even though authorities have failed
to develop it like they should have, Quetta remains one of the most
significant and historic cities in Pakistan.
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It is the largest city of the Balochistan province with an an area of
2,653 sqkm. Population of the city is estimated to be approximately one
million.
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The history of Quetta dates back to at-least the 11th Century, when it
was captured by Mahmud of Ghaznavi.
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Due to the vast multitude of fruit
orchards in and around the city, the city is known as the fruit garden
of Pakistan.
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Quetta is internationally known for its quality dry fruit product.
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Quetta is Pakistan’s only major high-altitude city.
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There are a variety of fauna in and around the city including coyotes,
markhor, hyenas, leopards, wolves, golden eagles and the bearded vulture
(pictured below), among others.
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The gallant Sulaiman Range lies just east of Quetta.
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The esteemed Bolan Medical College was founded during Ataullah Mengal’s
reign as Chief Minister in 1972.
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Hanna Lake, a turquoise body of water, is snuggled in the hills, ten
kilometers east of the city.
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Quetta Airport is the second highest airport in
Pakistan.
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Quetta Railway Station is one of the highest railway
stations in Pakistan at 1,676 meters (5,499 feet) above sea level.
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University of Balochistan, situated in Quetta, was
established in June 1970 and comprises an area of 200 acres.
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Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy, is the only water
sports training center in Balochistan.
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The Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. Hazarganji
, literally meaning “of a thousand treasures” is located 20 km
south-west of Quetta. The park covers an area over 32,500 acres, at an
altitude ranging from 2,021 to 3,264 meters.
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Pir Ghaib is a waterfall and picnic spot located 70 km
from the Quetta City in the historic Bolan valley.
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Manan Chowk and Shah Jahan Chowk are famous chowks of Quetta.
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The famous bazaars of Quetta include the Liaquat Bazaar, Suraj Gang
Bazaar and Kandhari Bazaar.
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Quetta is home to many museums including The Quetta Geological Museum,
The Quetta Archaeological Museum and The Command and Staff College
Museum. The latter (pictured below) is a museum dedicated to British
military history, housed in the former bungalow of Field Marshal Bernard
Montgomery. |