Quetta
is a district and division of Balochistan province, Pakistan. The name is taken
from ”kwatkot” a Pashto word meaning “fort” and the city is still locally known
by its ancient name of Shal or Shalkot. Quetta is the 5th largest
city of Pakistan also known as the Fruit Garden of Pakistan due to the diversity
of its plant and animal wildlife. Quetta is an excellent base for the exploration
of Balochistan. Three large craggy mountains Chiltan, Zarghun, and Koh-e-Murdar
seem to brood upon this town, other mountains form a ring around it. Their
copper ring and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add
immense charm to the town.
Quetta
has an area of 2,653 km2, and consists of series of valleys that act as a
natural fort surrounded by hills: these are named Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar, and
Zarghun. There are no natural boundaries between Quetta and its adjoining
districts. Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to
borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside
the city. Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it
to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Excavations in Quetta valley prove that humans have
lived there since pre-history. Modern-day is a growing center of excellence. Quetta
has a semi-arid climate with a significant variation between summer and winter
temperatures. The highest temperature in Quetta was recorded in 1998, it was 42
degrees C. The population of Quetta is approximately 2 million. Some unique
varieties of melon, Garma, Sarda, cherries, pistachios, and almonds are all
grown in abundance. Some pistachios are also grown in Qila Saif Ullah. Saffron
grows very well and is being cultivated on a commercial scale.
Tulips
are the local flowers of Pakistan. The yellow and red tulip grows wild around
Quetta. A trip to Quetta is incomplete without Urak, Hannah Jheel, Ziarat, and
other surrounding hill stations. Try out kaddi kabab. This is a traditional
food of Balochistan. Both chicken and mutton can be used but locals prefer
mutton with it. The best places to enjoy food in Quetta are Lehri Sajji House,
Mir Afzal Gosht Karahi Regal Chowk, Gulshan Karahi, Dubai Restaurant Kuchlak. The
city saw a severe drought from 1999 to 2001. In 2003, the city received
snowfall after five years.
The
inhabitants of Quetta are mostly Pashtun followed by Brahui and Baloch. They
are known to be hospitable to visitors. It is an important element in their
culture. When Baloch and Pakhtun come together, it’s a meat-lover paradise.
Quetta is connected by roads with the rest of the country. Educational
institutions include:
- Group of Islamia schools
- Federal government degree
college
- Tameer-e-Nau public college
- The Military Command and
Staff college
- The University of
Balochistan
- Bolan Medical college
- The geological survey of
Pakistan.
Etc.
Mammals such as Markhor are to be found in the Quetta region.
Local birds species include partridge, warblers, shikra, the blue rock pigeon,
rock nuthatch, golden eagle, sparrows, hawks, falcons, and bearded vultures.
A total of 225 species of flora have been found in the area. Cultural
and religious festivals are held every year. Buzkashi is a festival celebrated
by Pashtuns every year. In this game, two teams on horses try to snatch a goat
from each other.
Quetta bazaars are Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Shahrah-e-Iqbal, and Jinnah road. Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery are sold in these bazaars. Afghan rugs and fur coats are also very famous there. Embroidered jackets, waistcoats, and sandals are also well known. Pakhtun rugs and Balochi carpets are also very famous. Kadi kebab, lamb Roash, and Balochi Sajji are loved by many. Other traditional dishes are also available around the city. ‘Roash’ is also known as ‘Namkin’. Some of the finest mutton in the country are available in Quetta. ‘Landhi’ is made up of the whole Lamb. Shaheed Nauoroz stadium is the largest stadium. If you want to look at how diversity is celebrated, Pakistan is a place to visit. As our culture is diverse in itself. One can find many colors of joy. To lose yourself in a culture that is so vibrant is the deal. One needs to be lost in order to be found. To be found with a tradition so old and lovely that it brings nothing but joy to the faces. A tradition is what defines a nation. It gives a hint on what a nation possesses. What type of people lives in a certain area? Also, what are their beliefs? Traditions and culture give you the whole knowledge about it. The food they eat shows what they enjoy. What type of taste do they have. It is loved by many, the culture of Quetta. Let’s celebrate it.