Quetta
About the City
Known as the fifth-largest city in Pakistan, Quetta is considered the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan.” Also spelt as “Kuwatah” it is a variation of Kot derived from a Pashto word that means “fortress”. According to popular belief, the city’s name is derived from the four imposing hills i.e. Chiltan, Takatu, Zarghoon and Murdaar that surround it.
Quetta is also the capital city of Balochistan province, which constitutes 44% of the total land area of Pakistan. As a city, it offers strategic value for Pakistan as it is close to Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia.
Quetta retained the limelight in Balochistan during the 15th Century under the rule of Sardar Mir Chakar Khan Rind. Later, the city was governed by Safavids, Mughals and Ghiilzais for the next three centuries. Afterwards, it was demarcated as a town by Sir Robert Sandeman, who eventually developed it into an army station.
Quetta is a majority producer of plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, and almonds among several fruits. Saffron is cultivated in the mountains at a height of 5,000 feet!
Location
Quetta district is bounded by Pishin in the North, to the west by Afghanistan, to the east by Ziarat and Harnai districts, and to the south by Mastung and Nushki districts.
Climate
Balochistan has some of the hottest places in the country such as like Sibi, however, Quetta is among the cooler cities. In Quetta, the climate is semi-arid with varying of temperatures in the summer and winter. Summer starts in late May and goes on until early September however average temperature ranges from 24-26 °C (75-78 °F).
Transport
Quetta Railway Station is one of the highest railway stations in Pakistan at 1,667 m above sea level. Besides, the city is well connected by road to other major cities of Pakistan. It links to Karachi through Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Lasbela. Another road runs alongside the railway, connecting Quetta to Karachi via Sibi, Jacobabad and Rohri. On the Sukkur-Hyderabad route, there are some important roads as well. Lahore and Quetta are connected via Sibi, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan.
Housing Schemes in Quetta
Looking for a house for sale in Quetta? If so, Quetta city has multiple new and old housing schemes. Some of them are:
1. DHA Quetta
It is one of the latest housing developments in Quetta with residential and commercial plots. DHA Quetta is fast becoming the urban community you’d want to live or invest in. The futuristic project offers houses for rent in Quetta and for sale too. The most promising feature of DHA Quetta is its large-scale tree plantation, making the community greener than ever.
2. Qasim Bagh City
Finding a house for rent in Quetta is not difficult anymore thanks to Qasim Bagh City. It is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Baleli and only 15 minutes away from Quetta International Airport. All local amenities and facilities are provided to residents to fulfil their needs.
3. Zarghoon Housing Scheme
One of the most well-planned societies in Quetta, Zarghoon Housing Scheme is all about a quality lifestyle. Some of the popular amenities and facilities include hospitals, educational institutes and parks. If looking for a house for rent, you can take a look at Zameen.com’s extensive inventory to find your perfect home.
4. Garden Town
Located at Chashma Achozai Road, Garden Town is adjacent to Chiltan Housing Scheme. This housing project is under development but few homes have already been built. The society has an extensive power and gas supply network, followed up by well-connected roads.
5. Quetta Avenue
Situated near Spinny Road, Quetta Avenue is near Pak-Turk School and College. The housing scheme in Quetta offers 80-ft wide streets and affordable housing for the locals. Quetta Avenue is still under construction but is considered to be one of the fastest-selling new housing schemes in Quetta.
Quetta Shopping Spree - Traditional Bazaars
Quetta city has a local bazaar and modern shopping infrastructure as well. Residents and travelers can visit main bazaars in different sectors on Jinnah Road, Abdul Sitar Road, Masjid Road, Liaqat Bazaar, Prince Road and so on.
Bolan Shopping Centre in Quetta Cantt is the most popular attraction for citizens. You also can’t avoid the Mariabad Area. From kitchen gadgets to clothes, you will find varieties of articles at affordable pricing. Footwear in the area is quite popular for its traditional designs and price. Its cleanliness and security make the Mariabad shopping centre a popular choice among the locals.
Another popular market is for groceries in the south of Mizan Chawk. You will find a variety of fruits, vegetables and dry fruits in ample quantity. Plus, tradesmen selling carpets and rugs on Masjid Road and Zarghoon Road are easy to find.
Places of Attraction
The geographical location makes it hard to visit Quetta City. Nonetheless, Quetta has popular attractions that travellers and locals can enjoy and learn from a lot. The city is known for its snowy mountains and distinct landmarks. Some of the most popular attractions in Quetta city include:
1. Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
The park lies between Hazarganji on the east and Chiltan on the west. Hazarganji translates into “a thousand treasures” in the native language. It was founded between the mountains in 1980 and encompasses 325,000 acres of land.
2. Pishin Valley
Situated 50km away from Quetta, Pishin Valley is a fertile land known for its greenery and crop production. Also, it is famous for its vegetable production. The valley is a hotspot for horticulture and agriculture. Visitors and locals enjoy the scenic view while horse riding and cliff jumping.
3. Quaid-e-Azam Residency Ziarat
The residence is a renowned landmark in Balochistan. The place was occupied by Muhammad Ali Jinnah where he spent the last 70 days of his life. Built-in 1892 under British rule, it is now a historic site with compelling architecture.
4. Hanaa Lake
It is only 14km away from Quetta city. Surrounded by mountains, Hanna Lake is an impressive vision. Visitors can rent speedboats and explore the unique islands in the middle of Hanna Lake. The restaurants cater tasteful cuisines with indoor and outdoor setups.
5. Askari Park
Located near FC hospital in Quetta, Askari Park mostly consists of streams and lakes. It was established by Pakistan Army in the mid-1990s. It's a perfect spot for families to enjoy quality time. Kids can enjoy dragon rides and trains.
Top Educational Institutions
Quetta has a top-notch schooling system that offers quality education for children. From learning self-belief to analytical thinking, the following are some of the top schools in Quetta.
- City School Quetta
- Garrison Academy Quetta
- Iqra Army Public School and College Quetta Cantt
- Beacon House School System Quetta
- St. Francis Grammar High School Quetta
- Wilderness School
- Hamdard Public High School in Quetta
Planning to Move?
Quetta is next hotspot to rent or buy a house with new housing schemes offering abundant amenities and qualities. The quality of living has improved over the years. If it’s your first time visiting, explore Zameen.com to find plots and houses in Quetta.