Quetta

Quetta is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Balochistan. It is the ninth largest city in Pakistan with an estimated population of over 1.7 million in 2024. It is situated in the south-west of the country, lying in the Quetta Valley region surrounded by mountains on all sides. Quetta is at an average elevation of 1,680 metres (5,510 feet) above sea level, making it Pakistan's highest-altitude major city. The city is sometimes referred to as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" because of its numerous fruit orchards and the variety of fresh and dried fruits produced in the region. Like Karachi, Quetta is considered a "melting pot" as it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Pakistan. Located in northern Balochistan near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the road across to Kandahar, Quetta is a trade and communication centre between the two countries. The city is near the Bolan Pass, which was on a major gateway from Central Asia to South Asia.