Quetta

URBAN SOCIOLOGY
Assignment # 01
Submitted by Aimal Nasir
Submitted to Madam Hifza
Date; 15-11-2024
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 1.5 million in 2024. It
is situated in the south-west of the country, lying in a valley 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 known as the "Fruit
Garden of Pakistan" due to the numerous fruit orchards in and around it and the large
variety of fresh and dried fruits produced there.
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.
Early history;
Modern day Quetta was captured by Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi during his invasion of
South Asia. In 1543, Mughal emperor Humayun came to Quetta en route to Safavid
Persia, leaving his son and future Mughal emperor Akbar here. In 1709, the region was
a part of Afghan Hotak dynasty and stayed a part until 1747 when Ahmed Shah
Durrani conquered it and made it a part of Durrani Empire. The first European visited
Quetta in 1828, describing it as mud-walled fort surrounded by three hundred mud
houses.
In 1876, Quetta was occupied by the British and subsequently incorporated into British
India. In 1856, British General John Jacob had urged his government to occupy Quetta
given its strategic position on the western frontier.] British troops constructed the
infrastructure for their establishment as a garrison town.
It was reconstructed after the 1935 Quetta earthquake, which razed the city to the ground.
The epicentre of the earthquake was close to the city and destroyed most of the city's
infrastructure, killing an estimated 40,000 people. After the foundation of Pakistan,
Balochistan acquired the status of a province and Quetta became a provincial capital.
2. Resources of Quetta
Quetta is known for its natural, agricultural, and human resources, contributing
significantly to the local economy.
Mineral Resources
While the city itself does not host extensive mining activities, it serves as a hub for the
trade of minerals extracted from surrounding areas. These include:
• Marble and Granite: Processed and traded in Quetta from nearby mines.
• Chromite: Sourced from areas close to Quetta.
Agricultural Resources
Quetta is renowned for its agricultural products, especially fruits, due to its temperate
climate.
• Fruits: Apples, cherries, apricots, and pomegranates are the most famous.
The region’s fruits are known for their flavor and are sold nationwide and internationally.
• Vegetables: Crops like tomatoes and potatoes are grown in surrounding

areas and traded in the city markets.
Water Resources
Quetta relies on underground water sources for drinking and agriculture. The traditional
karez system, though in decline, is an essential part of water management in the region.
Human Resources
The city’s population is skilled in various trades, such as:
• Handicrafts: Quetta is known for high-quality embroidery, carpets, and

leather goods.
• Agriculture and Trade: The city has a robust trading community involved in
exporting local products to national and international markets.
3. Functioning of Resources in Quetta;
Quetta plays a central role in the production, trade, and distribution of various resources.
Its strategic location, skilled workforce, and market networks contribute to its economic
activities.
Agriculture and Markets
Quetta is a hub for agricultural goods, especially fruits and vegetables. Farmers from
surrounding areas bring produce like apples, cherries, pomegranates, tomatoes, and
potatoes to Quetta’s markets.
• Hazar Ganji Market is the largest agricultural market in the city, where
produce is traded, packed, and distributed.
• These goods are transported to other cities in Pakistan, such as Karachi,

Lahore, and Islamabad, and some are exported internationally.
• Seasonal crops and fruits drive the economy, providing livelihoods to

farmers, transporters, and market vendors. 2. Handicraft Production
Handicraft Production
Quetta is known for its traditional handicrafts, including carpet weaving, leather goods,
and embroidery.
• Carpet Weaving: Handwoven carpets are crafted with intricate designs

influenced by Persian and Afghan styles.
• Leatherwork: Artisans produce high-quality leather jackets, shoes, and

bags, known for their durability.
• Embroidery: Balochi and Hazara embroidery are highly valued for their
intricate patterns and cultural significance.
These handicrafts are sold locally, in larger cities, and internationally, making them a
significant source of income for the artisan community.
Trade and Logistics

Quetta’s location at the crossroads of trade routes connecting Pakistan to Afghanistan
and Iran makes it a vital logistics hub.
• The city serves as a transit point for goods such as dried fruits, carpets, and
minerals from neighboring countries.
• Local traders buy and sell these goods in Quetta’s markets, which are then
distributed to other regions or exported.
• Its role in regional trade enhances its economic importance and supports
businesses reliant on cross-border commerce.
Quetta’s resources are interconnected, supporting local livelihoods and contributing to

Pakistan’s economy.
4. Distribution of Resources in Quetta

Quetta serves as a vital center for the distribution of resources, including agricultural
products, handicrafts, and trade goods. The city’s role in local consumption, exports, and
its challenges define its economic dynamics.
Local Consumption
A significant portion of Quetta’s agricultural produce, particularly fruits and vegetables,
is consumed locally. Markets like Hazar Ganji supply fresh produce to the city’s residents
and nearby towns. These markets also support local vendors, eateries, and households,
ensuring a stable food supply.
Exports to Other Regions
Quetta’s resources reach national and international markets, enhancing its economic
importance.
• Fruits and Vegetables: High-quality apples, cherries, pomegranates, and
vegetables are transported to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. These
products also contribute to exports, particularly to the Middle East.
• Handicrafts: Traditional carpets, embroidered garments, and leather goods are
sent to national and international markets, generating income for artisans and traders.
Challenges in Distribution
1. Water Scarcity:
• The over-reliance on underground water has led to depletion, directly
affecting agricultural productivity and urban water supply.
• Dwindling water resources pose a threat to the region’s ability to sustain its
agricultural output.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure:
• Poor road networks make it difficult to transport goods efficiently.
• A lack of modern storage facilities results in significant losses of perishable
produce, especially fruits and vegetables.
3. Urbanization:
• Rapid population growth in Quetta has placed additional pressure on the
city’s resources.
• The strain on housing, markets, and infrastructure disrupts efficient
resource
Distribution
Despite these challenges, Quetta remains a vital economic hub. Investments in
infrastructure, water management, and modern storage solutions are critical for
sustainable resource distribution.

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URBAN SOCIOLOGY

Submitted by Aimal Nasir

Submitted to Madam Hifza

• Chromite: Sourced from areas close to Quetta.

• Vegetables: Crops like tomatoes and potatoes are grown in surrounding

The city’s population is skilled in various trades, such as:

• Handicrafts: Quetta is known for high-quality embroidery, carpets, and

Agriculture and Markets

• These goods are transported to other cities in Pakistan, such as Karachi,

• Seasonal crops and fruits drive the economy, providing livelihoods to

• Carpet Weaving: Handwoven carpets are crafted with intricate designs

• Leatherwork: Artisans produce high-quality leather jackets, shoes, and

Trade and Logistics

Quetta’s resources are interconnected, supporting local livelihoods and contributing to

4. Distribution of Resources in Quetta

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