Why Tourists Flock to Quetta

Pakistan is renowned across the globe for its tremendous mountains and the beauty our north has to offer, however the South often goes neglected. Quetta for example, has been romanticized for multiple aspects which continue to attract thousands of tourists till date. A few of the reasons explaining this phenomenon follow ahead.

House Museum/ Quaid’s Residency 

Quetta is home to the House Museum, which is dedicated to the life of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The founder resided here for only four years till 1848, however, his sister Fatma Jinnah continued to live there until 1964. Jinnah died mere years after the creation of Pakistan, which is why this unique museum offers Pakistanis a close association with him. He shall forever remain the hero for Pakistanis and Muslims across the subcontinent, visiting his home therefore is a symbolic process embedded with both love and respect. Many tourists are attracted towards Quetta because of this museum as the man who made Pakistan’s idea turn into reality spent his dying days there. 

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park

Hazarganji translates to thousand treasures which resonates with the heritage of this park. The name comes from a traveling route situated between the mountains, which was the historical passage for the Mongols and migrating Baloch tribes. Tradition narrates that this park is home to thirty-five thousand jewels that are scattered across the vicinity. The National Park is only 16 kilometers away from Quetta City and serves primarily to protect Markhor and Barbary Chiltan goats, hence serving its role to preserve biodiversity. The forest also comprises a unique array of trees such as Almond and Pistachio.

Hannah Lake

Moreover, this beautiful lake is situated fairly close to Quetta in Urak Valley, which is only fourteen kilometers away from the main city. The lake’s unique location is such that it is surrounded by towering mountains across all borders. Although the lake was built alongside a reservoir under the British Empire in 1984, it provided a magnanimous boost to the beauty of the region. The lake also offers a thrilling experience for tourists who can rent a speedboat or a steamboat to travel across it. The boats also provide access to the islands situated in the middle of the lake. The Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy is located on the eastern side of the lake, which offers multiple sports such as canoeing, rowing, kayaking and sailing training. The Academy organizes multiple championships in the center of Balochistan.

Local Bazaars

Additionally, one of the primary tourist attractions offered by Quetta is its local bazaars, which are deeply embedded with unique and historical products that are nowhere else to be found in the whole world. The three most popular and traditional markets are Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar situated in Shah-e-Liaqat, and Kandahari Bazaar which is located in Shehrah-e-Iqbal. The most prominent aspect of these bazaars is that although they have existed for decades, they sell local products and handicraft, such as Balochi mirrors and sandals. Their uniquely created carpets are famous across the globe.

 Concludingly, from natural to man made beauty, Quetta offers it all. However, your experience in Quetta does not essentially revolve around visual experiences, rather making memories that one will cherish for decades to come.