Quetta: The Gem of Balochistan

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [haan]
• Noنہیں
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [barah e karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعذرت چاہتا ہوں
  [maazrat chahta hoon]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [theek hoon. aap kaise hain?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap angrezi boltay hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دیکھنا ہے
  [barah e karam menu dekhna hai]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [main gosht nahi khaata]
• Cheers!خوش رہیں!
  [khush rahain]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم میں ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں
  [barah e karam main ada karna chahta hoon]

• Help!مدد!
  [madad!]
• Go away!دور ہو جاؤ!
  [door ho jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہو گیا ہوں
  [main gum ho gaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [main bimar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...براہ کرم خریدنا ہے...
  [barah e karam khareedna hai...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنا ہے؟
  [ye kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [ye bohat mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap qeemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [aik bajay hain]
• Half past (10)دس بج کر آڑھا ہے
  [das baj kar aadha hai]
• Morningصبح
  [subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [dopehar]
• Eveningشام
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayگزشتہ کل
  [guzishta kal]
• Todayآج
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [kal]
• 1ایک
  [aik]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3تین
  [teen]
• 4چار
  [chaar]
• 5پانچ
  [paanch]
• 6چھے
  [chhay]
• 7سات
  [saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [aath]
• 9نو
  [no]
• 10دس
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...؟
  [kahan hai...?]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap mujhe dikh sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلا (بس) کب ہے؟
  [agla (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (کو...)
  [aik ticket (ko...)]

Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, has a history that traces back to ancient times. The region was part of the Gandhara civilization and was influenced by various cultures and empires, including the Mauryan and Kushan empires. Archaeological evidence from the nearby Mehrgarh site, one of the earliest agricultural settlements in South Asia, indicates that the region was inhabited as early as 7000 BCE.

During the Mughal era in the 16th century, Quetta gained strategic importance due to its location on the trade routes between Central Asia and South Asia. The city served as a military and trading post. In the 18th century, Quetta came under the rule of the Afghan Durrani Empire, further emphasizing its strategic significance.

In 1876, Quetta was incorporated into British India. The British recognized the city's strategic military importance and established it as a garrison town. They built infrastructure, including the railway network, which connected Quetta to the rest of British India. The devastating earthquake of 1935, which destroyed much of the city, led to significant reconstruction efforts by the British, shaping modern Quetta's urban landscape.

Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, Quetta became the provincial capital of Balochistan. The city witnessed substantial growth and development, with the establishment of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and military academies. The influx of Afghan refugees during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s also significantly impacted the city's demographics and culture.

Quetta is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including Baloch, Pashtun, Hazara, and Punjabi communities. This diversity is reflected in the city's cultural practices, languages, and cuisine. Traditional Balochi music and dance, the vibrant Pashtun festivals, and the unique Hazara art forms contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Quetta. The city's bazaars, such as the famous Liaquat Bazaar, offer a glimpse into the local craftsmanship and trade traditions.

Nestled in the foothills of the Quetta Valley and surrounded by picturesque mountains like Chiltan and Koh-e-Murdar, Quetta boasts stunning natural landscapes. The Hanna Lake and Urak Valley are popular spots for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the region's natural beauty. The city's geographical position as a gateway to Iran and Afghanistan underscores its continuing strategic and economic importance.

Quetta is accessible by air, road, and rail. The Quetta International Airport (UET) offers domestic flights from major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. International flights are limited, so connecting through one of these cities is often necessary. By road, Quetta can be reached via the National Highway N-25 or the Quetta-Chaman Road. For those preferring rail travel, Pakistan Railways operates several trains that connect Quetta with other major cities.

Public transportation in Quetta includes buses, minibuses, and auto-rickshaws. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. For a more personalized experience, you can rent a car, although driving in Quetta can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions. Walking is feasible in central areas, but be cautious of uneven pavements and busy roads.

The currency in Quetta is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is essential for smaller shops and local markets. ATMs are widely available, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas.

While Quetta is generally safe, it is important to stay vigilant. Some areas, particularly on the outskirts, have higher crime rates. Avoid traveling alone at night and steer clear of neighborhoods known for crime, such as Sariab Road and its surrounding areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables in public.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for police assistance and 1122 for medical emergencies. The Civil Hospital Quetta and Bolan Medical Complex are the main medical facilities in the city. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. For minor ailments, pharmacies are available throughout the city where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Quetta like a local, visit the local bazaars such as the Kandahari Bazaar, where you can buy traditional Balochi goods and fresh produce. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Hanna Lake for a relaxing day out and the Quetta Archaeological Museum for a deep dive into the region's history.