Quetta
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Quetta is the capital of the province Balochistan in Pakistan. It is located in a densely populated district in the northeast of the province. Quetta is situated in a river valley near the border with Afghanistan, with a road to Kandahar in the northwest.
Quetta has a population of about 650,000. The city is dominated by a Pashtun majority and a Balochi minority with an eclectic smattering of smaller groups. Pushto, Balochi, Brahui, Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu languages are spoken in large parts of Quetta, giving the city a very multicultural feel.
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Attractions
Quetta is a major tourist attraction for tourists from abroad. It is advertised as a thrilling location, full of adventure and enjoyment. Some prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on the roads Shahrah-e-Iqbal (the Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaquat (the Liaquat and Suraj Gang Bazaars). Here, tourists can find colorful handcrafted art, particularly the Balochi mirror work embroidery, which is admired all over the world. For those interested in local cuisine, there are many sumptuous dishes to feast upon. The "Sajji" (leg of lamb) is said to be very good by locals.
Education
Quetta is home to the University of Balochistan,Bolan Medical College and many other educational institutions. The city is the site of a geophysical institute, the geological survey of Pakistan, Sandeman Library, and two government colleges affiliated with the University of Peshawar.
Culture
Quetta_old_city.jpg
The old streets of Quetta
Quetta tribesmen are stereotyped as being the strong and silent types. They are, however, known for their friendliness and hospitality. Making visitors comfortable is an integral part of their local traditions. The main bazaar on Jinnah Road is full of Pathan traders wearing huge turbans, Baluchi hawkers with red embroidered caps, and full-skirted nomad women carrying bundles of imported cloth for sale.
Communication
Although Quetta is on the western edge of Pakistan, it is still connected with the country by a wide network of roads, railways and airways. Quetta is connected to Lahore by a 727 mile long railway line. Similarly it is also connected by railways with Peshawar (986 miles away) and Karachi, which is 536 miles away. Many Internet Service Providers and almost all major mobile phone companies are operating in Quetta.
External Links
- About Quetta on itsPakistan (http://www.itspakistan.net/pakistan/quetta.aspx)
- http://www.balochistan.org.pk
- http://www.balochistan.org
- Mehrgarh (Balochistan) (http://mehrgarh.webpal.info/mehrgarh/)da:Quetta