At 5,500 feet above sea level, Quetta is one of the most important military locations in Pakistan. The conjuncture of the borders of Iran and Afghanistan and the Bolan Pass, make it an important venue for communication. The name Quetta is derived from kwatta, meaning fort in Pushto (the regional language) due to the imposing hills that surround it, making it a natural fort.
Although the British occupied Quetta briefly during the First Afghan War in 1839, it was not until 1876 that Quetta came under permanent British control. It became one of the largest cantonments in British India, with a garrison of about 12,000 troops.
Quetta was a bustling city with multi-storied buildings before the massive earthquake of May 31, 1935 which took the lives of more than 30,000 people and almost completely destroyed it. British troops helped with rescue efforts and helped maintain civil order. After the great disaster, it became one of the few planned cities of Pakistan, with tree-lined streets and single-level houses. It is now a city of about a million people.
Situated at the mouth of Bolan Pass, it lies at 1,692 meters above sea level. Mountains (snow-capped in winter) form a ring around this charming and pleasant town which serves as a good base for exploration of Balochistan. It is inhabited by Pathan, Baluch and Brahui; Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkamen. Colorful nomadic tribesmen pass through in spring and autumn with herds of sheep and camels and assorted wares for sale. The "fruit basket of Pakistan," plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, melons, cherries, pistachios and almonds; as well as pistachios and saffron grow well here; and yellow and red tulips grow wild.
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