Quetta (or sometimes-spelled kwatah), is the provincial capital of Baluchistan. The city is still locally known by its ancient name of Shal or Shalkot. It is the divisional and district Headquarters and is considered to be an important marketing and communications center located at the north end of the Shal valley about 1692 metres above sea level. It is the southern most point in a long line of frontier posts and within the system of strategic roads and railways near the Northwest (Afghanistan) border. Commanding the Bolan and Khojak passes, the British occupied Quetta in 1876 and it is there that a residency was founded by Sir Robert Sandeman. Slowly and Gradually the town developed around its strongly crowded army station. Incorporated as a municipality in 1896, its Army commands and Staff College was opened in 1907. A violent earthquake partially destroyed the city in May 1935, with a loss of 20000 lives. Being the market center for western Afghanistan, eastern Iran, and part of Central Asia, Quetta's industry includes; cotton mills, sulphur refinery, coke briquetting plants, a thermal power station, and fruit canneries. 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. In 1970, with the creation of the University of Baluchistan a new wave of educational experience started for the residents of Quetta.

Physically, Quetta comprises of a series of long valleys 4500 5500-ft above sea level enclosed by the Central Brahui range in the south and drained by the Pishin Lora River and its tributaries. Quetta can righlty be called the fruit basket of Pakistan. Its climate is dry and well-suited for the cultivation of grapes, peaches, plums, apricots, apples, almonds, pears, and pomegranates. Wheat, barley and corn are Quetta's most common crops. Saffron grows very well on mountains around 5000 feet high. It is being cultivated on a commercial scale. While Felts, Rugs, Silk Embroidery and Copper Vessels are Quetta's major handicrafts.

The Quetta division was constituted in 1955. It is a mountainous region bounded by The Solomon Range on the East and The TobaKakar Range at the North, thus separating it from Afghanistan. At the South-End of Chaman (near Afghan border) are the Khawaja Amran and Sarl Ath ranges. Across the former lies the famous Khojak Pass with the Shelabagh railway tunnel piercing 2.5 miles (4 km) of solid rock. From Nushki (Southwest of Quetta city) to Dalbandin (Southwest of Nushki), the division consists of a levelled sandy plain. Amongst its chief rivers are Dalbandin and Pishin Lora. Rainfall is scarce in these parts of Pakistan therefore cultivation mostly depends upon irrigation from Karezes (underground channels) in the sub-mountainous region and springs and streams in the highlands. Wheat is the main Rabi (Spring) crop while Jowar (sorghum) is the chief Kharif (autumn) crop in the plains and Corn in the highlands. Apart from these crops Cooking coal is mined at the Khost Area in Sibi and in the Sor Range, east of Quetta.

Quetta is a major Tourist attraction. It envisages all the colors of thrill, adventure and enjoyment. For shoppers, some prominent bazaars of Quetta are on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaquat (Liaquat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here tourists can find colorful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work embroidery which is admired all over the world. For Cuisine crazy, there are lots of sumptuous dishes to feast upon. One must-try balochi dish is their specialty called, "Sajji" (leg of lamb), which is roasted to a delightful degree of tenderness and is not very spicy. Perfect for tourists. One must also try the famous "Landhi" (the whole lamb), which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. After enjoying a delicious meal one can take some sightseeing tours in and around Quetta. The Archaeological Museum at Fifa Road has a collection of rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts while the Geological survey Department on Sariab road has an attractive collection of rocks and fossils. For Nature Lovers there is the 'Hazarganji Chiltan National Park', which is located some 20 kms south-west of Quetta. The name Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures" and indeed this Park contains hundreds and thousands of natural treasures catching the attention of travellers. Those in search of Fauna may find a wide variety of Mammals like Markhors, "Gad" (wild sheep), leopards, wolves, hyena, hares, wild cats and porcupines while Birds may contain species of partridge, warblers, shikras, blue rock pigeon, rock nuthatch, golden eagle, sparrows, hawks, falcons and bearded vultures etc. Coming to the Flora of Quetta, one may find about 225 species of some pretty exotic plants like; pistachios, juniper, wild olives, wild ash and wild almonds. Also found amongst such Flora are wide range of shrubs like; wild fig, barbery, wild cherry, makhi and herbs like; Ephedra intermadia, gerardiana etc. Apart from these wonders of nature travellers may also take some interesting excursions to places like Karkhasa, Urak Valley, Hanna Lake, Pishin, Ziarat, Chashma, Zindra etc. In fact there are so many places to go and so much to see that tourists need alot of time to enjoy and cherish the moods and tastes of all. Quetta is truly a wonder, of wonders!!

Bolan Pass:

This pass is historically very rich because it was the principle route from Central Asia during the prehistoric period. It was more easier and more hospitable then the Khyber Pass. The British passed through here during 1839 on their way to fight with the Afghans. The 96km, longest and narrowest gorges, spans only the first 16km. The Bolan Pass links Quetta with the plains of the Punjab and Sindh through the Sibi town by road and train. There are 21 tunnels and all train pass through these tunnels.

Sibi Town:

Named after the Sewa Hindu tribe and it was once the capital of Sewisten. It has been very important trading town. It is just 163 Km from Quetta. In 1903 the British had built a Jurgha Hall by the name of Victoria Memorial hall were annual Jurghas were held until Pakistan came into being. Sibi festival marks the famous horse and cattle show held in the month of February each year.

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