Sitting at 1,680 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level, Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, occupies a strategic position since the boundaries of Iran and Afghanistan meet here, and the Bolan Pass lies on important lines of communications. Located in a river valley, it is connected by rail with Lahore, (727 miles), with Peshawar (986 miles), and Karachi (536 miles). A new road connects it with Karachi through Khuzdar, Makran and Las Bela. It is also connected with Zahidan (Iran) by rail.
Quetta derives its name from the Balochi “Kuwatta”, which means a fort. The city is surrounded by imposing hills like Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar and Zarghun. It lies 1692 meters above sea level at the mouth of Bolan Pass. The inhabitants are mainly Pathans, Baluch and Brahvis, therefore Pushto, Balochi, Brahvi and Urdu languages are widely spoken. It is famous for its honey sweet apples and many other verities of fruit. Quetta abounds in various varieties of apples and grapes. The orchards clutter the entire suburbs of Quetta and other important towns. For the abundance of fruit, Quetta is rightly called as the Fruit Basket of Pakistan.
Quetta has always been a military station and even after the partition it is because of many military establishments that its business and life thrives. Owing to its location close to Afghanistan, where the British interest lied, the British Army established the Army Staff College, which is still located here, though with a new name and building. Even otherwise Quetta is an important military station because of its 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. Quetta is also the site of an airbase used by the United States Air Force during the Cold War. Field Marshal Montgomery of the British Army – the Al-Alamin famed, was on the faculty of the Command and Staff College. The house once occupied by the Field Marshal has been converted in a museum, which is located at the very main gate of the college.
The Sleeping Beauty
Perhaps very few people would have ever appreciated this natural feature as a sleeping human – but the military officers attending the Command and Staff College refer the feature as the “Sleeping Beauty”. Look again and start from right where the head starts and moving leftwards one can find the torso of a beauty lying in peace since God knows when. Whenever visiting Quetta city next time look the “Murdaar Feature” from the distance and you will tend to agree.
Hana Lake
The life line for inhabitants of Quetta and surrounding areas is located ten kilometres from Quetta at the confluence of Urak Valley. The picturesque lake with its greenish- blue water portrays a rich contrast to the sandy brown of the hills in the back ground. The Lake had its tourist attraction, and golden fish in the lake come swimming right up to the edge of the lake to the delight of the tourists. There is a lakeside restaurant with picnic tables shaded by pine trees. At one end, the irrigation dam rises out of the depths like battlements of a fort. It is very attractive for holidaymakers, and is crowded with hikers and campers in the holidays. The turquoise waters of the lake provide a rich contrast to the sandy brown of the hills in the background. One can promenade on the terraces or hire a boat and paddle on the lake and round the island in the middle. Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta. However in dry seasons, sometimes the lake dries up exposing the lone island and its hut to the tourists who may even walk up to it.
Those interested in traditional foods, should not miss eating “Sajji” – chicken or even sometimes the entire lamb or goat stuffed with rice and eggs and roasted by skewering it around the burning fire. A taste in itself, one never forgets. Those interested wildlife can head to Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which is about 20 kilometers from Quetta. The park is home to five distinct kinds of Markhor (wild sheep), leopards, wolves, striped hyena, hares, wild cats and porcupines. The park also has a large number of birds that include partridge, warblers, falcons, blue rock pigeon, rock nuthatch, red gilled choughs, golden eagle, sparrow, hawks, falcons and bearded vultures. There are 225 species of plants in the park, including pistachios, juniper, wild olive, wild ash, almond, fig, barberry and wild cherry.
Pishin Valley And Bund Khushdil Khan
Pishin Valley is about 50 kilometers from Quetta city in District Pishin in the northwest of Balochistan province of Pakistan. It consists of thousands of acres of fruit orchards. The valley is a fertile land where several crops and fruits are grown. Pishin Valley is renowned for the greenery and is also the primary place for crop production. Besides the crops it is also famous for the growth of vegetables and fodder. Today Pishin Valley is famous for horticulture and agriculture in Pakistan.Pishin Valley is about 50 kilometers from Quetta city in District Pishin in the northwest of Balochistan province of Pakistan. It consists of thousands of acres of fruit orchards. The valley is a fertile land where several crops and fruits are grown. Pishin Valley is renowned for the greenery and is also the primary place for crop production. Besides the crops it is also famous for the growth of vegetables and fodder. Today Pishin Valley is famous for horticulture and agriculture in Pakistan. Apart from the fruit, there is a quaint little market town which is famous for eating joints and other traditional foods. There is a man made spring ‘Karez’. This artificial spring is made in order to use the subterranean water for irrigation purposes. The Pishin Valley is a center of festivity and colorful harvest programs and other cultural fetes. Folk dances are very popular. In spring when most of the plants are in bloom, it gives a splash of colour to Pishin Valley. Migrant tribesmen travel across the valley in autumn and spring with their herds of sheep and camels and their assorted wares for sale. This seasonal movement adds colour and beauty to the life of Pishin Valley.In recent years Pishin Valley has become one of the important tourist attractions in Balochistan. There lies Bund Khushdil Khan. Bund Khushdil Khan is a 5km long and 2km wide tank and is one of the wonderful sights. It