Quetta is the capital and largest city of Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan. Situated at an average elevation of 1,680 metres above sea level, it is the highest-altitude major city in the country. The city is located within the Quetta Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Historically, the region was inhabited by Pashtun tribes, including the Kasi, and served as a cultural and tribal link between southern Afghanistan and northern Balochistan before expanding under British colonial rule. As of 2024, Quetta is Pakistan's ninth largest city with an estimated population exceeding 1.7 million people.
The city is frequently referred to as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" due to its extensive fruit orchards. The region is known for producing a wide variety of both fresh and dried fruits.