History of Quetta

The history of Quetta, one of the key cities of Balochistan, is closely interwoven with its strategic location. The city's name is derived from the Pashto word "Kwata" (or "kwatkot"), meaning "fortress," which perfectly reflects its essence as a fortified point throughout the centuries. Locals also refer to Quetta as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" due to its significant role in the fruit trade.

Although archaeological findings in the vicinity indicate ancient settlements from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, the first written records of Quetta date back to the 11th century. During this period, the city was captured by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni during his expeditions into Balochistan. Later, in the 16th century, the city gained prominence when the future Mughal Emperor Akbar spent part of his infancy here before his father, Humayun, regained power.

The development of Quetta was determined by several key factors, the most important being its geographical position. The city is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, in a valley surrounded by mountains, and in immediate proximity to the strategically vital Bolan Pass. Historically, this pass served as the main gateway between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, transforming Quetta into a bustling trade hub on the routes connecting Afghanistan, Iran, and India.

Due to its strategic significance, the city was under the rule of various dynasties throughout its history, including the Ghaznavids, Mughals, and Persian Safavids, until it came under the control of the Khans of Kalat in 1730. In 1876, Quetta came under the control of the British Empire, which turned it into a major military base to control the region. During the British period, the city was significantly rebuilt; wide boulevards and colonial-style buildings appeared, giving it a European appearance and earning it the informal nickname "Little London."

Quetta has always been a melting pot of various peoples and cultures, including Pashtuns, Baloch, and other ethnic groups. The city's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly horticulture, and crafts such as carpet weaving and wood carving. These traditions have been preserved to this day, making the local bazaars some of the most colourful in Pakistan.

Key Dates in the History of Quetta

The history of Quetta is a kaleidoscope of eras and dynasties that have left their mark on the city's appearance and culture. From an ancient fortress to an important administrative centre, here are the main milestones of this journey.

• 11th Century — The first written mention of the city, when it was captured by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaign in Balochistan.
• 1543 — The future Mughal Emperor Humayun stayed in Quetta, leaving his one-year-old son Akbar, the future great ruler, here.
• 1556 — The city passes under the control of the Persian Safavid dynasty following the weakening of Mughal power.
• 1595 — Emperor Akbar returns Quetta to the Mughal Empire, reinforcing its strategic importance.
• 1730 — Quetta becomes part of the Khanate of Kalat, and the rulers make it their northern capital.
• 1828 — The city is visited by the first European, foreshadowing future changes in the region.
• 1876 — British officer Robert Sandeman signs a treaty with the Khan of Kalat, and Quetta comes under the administration of British India, transforming into a major military garrison.
• 31 May 1935 — A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 almost completely destroys the city and claims the lives of tens of thousands of people.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, Quetta becomes part of the newly formed state of Pakistan and becomes the administrative centre of the Balochistan province.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The development of the city of Quetta was defined not so much by smooth evolution as by sharp leaps caused by geopolitics and natural forces. Its transformation from a small fort into a metropolis can be divided into several key milestones that formed its current economic and architectural appearance.

• Establishment of the British Garrison (1876) — Urban Planning Beginning. After signing the treaty with the Khan of Kalat, the British began the systematic development of the city. It was then that a clear street structure was laid out, a cantonment zone (military town) was created, and administrative buildings were constructed, turning the settlement into a strategic outpost of the empire.
• Railway Revolution (1880–1890s) — Economic Breakthrough. The laying of the railway through the Bolan Pass connected the city with the rest of the Indian Subcontinent. This turned Quetta into the main trade hub of the region, through which fruits and goods from Afghanistan and Iran flowed, cementing its status as the "Fruit Garden" of the region.
• Opening of the Command and Staff College (1905) — Institutional Significance. The founding of this prestigious military educational institution raised the city's status. It attracted an educated elite and contributed to the development of infrastructure oriented towards high living standards.
• Implementation of the "Quetta Code" (1937) — Architectural Transformation. After the devastating earthquake of 1935, the city was rebuilt from scratch according to strict seismic standards. A ban on high-rise construction was introduced, and a special type of brick masonry ("Quetta Bond") was approved, which determined the squat and functional look of city blocks for decades.
• Gaining Capital Status (1970) — Administrative Consolidation. After the restoration of Balochistan's provincial status, the city officially became its administrative centre. This led to a massive expansion of the government sector, the construction of new residential areas for civil servants, and growth in the service sector.
• Trade and Cultural Expansion (1980s) — Demographic Shift. Events in neighbouring Afghanistan led to an influx of new residents, which significantly influenced the economy. City bazaars expanded, new crafts appeared (particularly carpet weaving), and trade links were established, making Pakistan an important transit hub in trade with Central Asia.

The architectural appearance of Quetta is a unique story, divided into "before" and "after" the catastrophic earthquake of 1935. This event did not just change the city but completely rewrote its urban planning code, making safety the main principle of development.

Pre-Colonial and British Eras (Pre-1935)

Initially, Quetta, whose name translates as "fortress," was a fort made of mud-brick walls surrounded by small structures. With the arrival of the British Empire in 1876, a new stage of development began. The city turned into an important military garrison, leading to the appearance of planned development in the colonial style. Wide boulevards were laid out, and administrative buildings, bungalows, and iconic facilities such as the Command and Staff College were built. This period gave Quetta the unofficial name "Little London." However, almost all of this heritage was destroyed by the natural disaster.

Rebirth After the Earthquake (Post-1935)

The earthquake on 31 May 1935 practically wiped the city off the face of the earth, claiming the lives of tens of thousands. After the tragedy, the British administration made an unprecedented decision: all remaining structures were demolished, and the city began to be rebuilt from scratch according to a strict seismic building code adopted in 1937. This document became the defining factor for all subsequent architecture in Quetta.

• Functionalism and Safety: New rules prohibited the construction of tall buildings and mandated the use of reinforced concrete structures, beams, and special masonry methods to strengthen walls. Aesthetics gave way to pragmatism, so strict functionalism prevails in the architecture rather than decorative refinements.
• Modern Appearance: Most of the buildings that can be seen in Quetta today were built in the second half of the 20th century and later. They follow the principles established after the earthquake. Although the city has modern structures and buildings with elements of Islamic architecture (for example, mosques with minarets and domes), the general urban fabric is characterised by low-rise development and wide streets, which is a direct legacy of the 1935 tragedy.

Thus, the architectural history of Quetta is not so much a change of lavish styles as a harsh necessity dictated by nature. The city became one of the first in the region where the principles of earthquake-resistant construction were applied on the scale of an entire metropolis, which formed its modern, predominantly functional and restrained appearance.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Quetta

The city of Quetta and the province of Balochistan have given Pakistan and the world many prominent figures in politics, the military, and the arts. These individuals have left a significant mark on the history and culture of the region.

• General Muhammad Musa Khan Hazara (1908–1991) — A military commander and politician. Born in Quetta, he belonged to the Hazara community. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army from 1958 to 1966, including during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. After retiring from military service, he served as the Governor of West Pakistan, and later, from 1985 until his death in 1991, was the Governor of his home province of Balochistan.
• Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali (1944–2020) — A prominent political figure. Although he was not born in Quetta itself but in Balochistan, his political career was closely linked to the provincial capital. He became the 15th Prime Minister of Pakistan (2002–2004) and was the only Prime Minister of the country hailing from Balochistan. Jamali also served twice as the Chief Minister of the province.
• Jamal Shah (born 1956) — A versatile artist: actor, painter, director, sculptor, and social activist. He was born in Quetta and made a significant contribution to the cultural development of the region by founding the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Balochistan. Shah is also known for his roles in Pakistani and international cinema, including the film "K2" (1991). He recently served as the Minister for National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan.
• Zeba Bakhtiar (born 1962) — A famous Pakistani film and television actress. She was born in Quetta into the family of the prominent lawyer and politician Yahya Bakhtiar. Zeba gained widespread fame after her debut in Bollywood in the film "Henna" (1991) with Rishi Kapoor, which became a hit in both India and Pakistan. Following this, she continued a successful career in the Pakistani film and television industry.
• Robert Groves Sandeman (1835–1892) — A British colonial administrator whose activities are inextricably linked with the history of Quetta. It was he who, in 1876, concluded the treaty with the Khan of Kalat, under which Quetta came under British control. He founded a military garrison in the city and laid the foundations of modern urban planning, turning Quetta into an important strategic outpost of British India in the region.