By: Munaza Kazmi
Quetta! Beyond the security check posts, thorn bars, threats and terror, there exit a thoroughly normal and equally beautiful part of Pakistan, the tales of which today you are going to read…
Quetta, city district and division of Baluchistan province and the 5th largest of Pakistan. It is a variation of Kwatkot, a Pashto word meaning ‘Fort’, as it is encircled by the four imposing hills namely Chiltan, Takatu, Zarghoon and Murdaar, which really gives it a status of enchanted valley, that surely engulf the visitor is its charm. Further, the city enjoys rich history dating from 11th Century when Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered it, and on top it is significant for every Pakistani due to the reason that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, have spent last of his memorable days here.
The only high-altitude city of Pakistan, Quetta situated at 1,680 meters above sea level, having total population of 2.8 million. Local language is Pashto, but don’t worry as some people can even communicate in English, otherwise we always have option open for sign language. Climate is dry and temperate is moderate, sunny at day and chilly in the evening, here you would find a rich diversity of dry fruits as well. Moreover, the valley is abundant with juniper and pistachio forests and diverse wild life, including Markhor the national animal of Pakistan. Also, if anyone is obsessed with horses, it’s the right place to find, as horse breeding is thought to be the passion of locals.
Next, I would suggest you pay a visit to the colorful bazars where you would found yourself in brightest of colors of silk, handmade coppers, precious jewels, luxurious rugs, embroidered cloths, and mesmerizing perfumes. Meanwhile, when you feel hungry and tired during your quest of shopping, there’re always several options to sit back and relax, like you can have a cup of their traditional tea and can enjoy rich flavors of food, on Prince road you can have Khadda Kebab (Stuffed Lamb) which is cooked by digging up a pit in the ground, whole of the lamb by stuffing it with saffron rice, raisin and other dry fruits and then covering it with spices and herbs, it’s the specialty of the city. Another delicacy is Dumpokht and Shobat, am telling you they are far much tasty then even Biryani. Moreover, there comes several options for continental and every day Pakistani food as well.
For recreation, there is a museum of significant importance, several public parks, and restaurants, but for staying I would only recommend Quetta Serena Hotel, due to the level of comfort, safety and security, moreover the food is fantastic and ever if you visit Quetta Serena Hotel, have your dinner at Xuelian Restaurant, which is a Chinese restaurant, serving quality food with serene aura, moreover the Chief and staff are very kind and friendly.
From Archeological point of view, with a distance of 2 hours and 30 minutes there’s a place called Mehrgarh World Heritage Site which is one of the ancient civilizations of the world, dating back 7,000 BC (11,000 years), much older than the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations.
Moreover, within a short distance comes Hanna Lake, with is a beauty in itself, then Ziarat the celebrated tourist point due to Quaid Residency and its charming landscapes. For adventure traveler Bolan Pass and Koh-e-Murdar is the best option, where you can find the enchanting views of alluring mountains, and the spellbinding sight of Sleeping Beauty, a natural shape of mountain seems like a beautiful woman sleeping, however there is a folk tale behind it.
Let’s talk about the people, seriously telling the people I meet in Quetta were as generous as of Gilgit Baltistan, moreover the women with whom I came into contact seems empowered, they were working with men with confidence and sense of dignity in their eyes. Moreover, to my astonishment on my return to Islamabad from Quetta I found a single lady though with an infant traveling in the aircraft.
In the end I would say, it’s hard to describe the Quetta without getting carried away, and I surely would be happy to visit this city once again in my life.
Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences. She’s a travel writer, a published author, & co-author of scientific contributions. She cane be reached @munaza_kazmi