Quetta is the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan. If you are taking the overland route from Istanbul to New Delhi without going through Afghanistan you will have to pass through Quetta. Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (224 meters), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers. The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains ??? Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar ??? seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town. Pashto Is An Origin Language of Afghanistan. Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence. The population is approximately 670.000, and it has an area of 2653 sq. km.