Quetta, the capital and largest city of Balochistan, Pakistan, is located in the southwestern part of the country. With a population exceeding 1.5 million in 2024, it ranks as the tenth largest city in Pakistan. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Quetta sits at an impressive elevation of 1,680 meters (5,510 feet) above sea level, making it the highest major city in the country. Known as the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan,” Quetta is famous for its many fruit orchards and the wide variety of fresh and dried fruits produced in the region.
Strategically located near the northern border of Balochistan, close to Afghanistan, Quetta serves as a key trade and communication hub between the two countries. Its proximity to the Bolan Pass, a historic gateway from Central Asia to South Asia, has made the city an important center for commerce and transportation throughout history.
