Towards the fifth century the Ghaznivids, Ghouris, Mongols and the Mughals held Quetta. From the Mughals, the city including Qandhar, was passed on to the Safavids. At the beginning of the 18th century with the rising power of Ghilizai’s in Qandhar, and Brahvis in Kalat, Quetta became a battle ground between the Afghans and Brahvis. Quetta was temporarily also occupied by the British during the First Afghan War of 1839-42 but was later abandoned. Being at the head of Bolan Pass, its strategic location was first recognized by Gen. John Jacob, who realized the importance of Quetta as a military station. During the second Afghan War of 1878-80, Quetta was freely used by British troops. With the assistance from Khan of Kalat, railway and telegraphic lines were run through this territory, connecting Quetta with cities of Sind.

Climate
The climate of the region is generally dry and cold with winter temperatures ranging between zero to 16 degree celsius and in summers, 30 to 43 degree celsius. The average humidity remains between 15 to 20 percent. For the past couple of years Quetta valley has suffered severe drought.

Population
Quetta has expanded at a very slow pace, ranging from 11,000 in 1891 to about 700,000 in the year 2002. People have settled in Quetta from various parts of the country and neighboring regions. As a result there are many different religious, ethnic and linguist groups. There are Muslims, Hindus, and Christians speaking Balochi, Brahvi, and Pushto as main languages. Also Persian, Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi is spoken in certain clustered areas of the city. Racially, it is not a single entity and population includes Balochis, Pathans, Brahvis, Hazaras, Iranians and Afghans.

Famous Land Routes
Bolan Pass
It is of strategic importance specially in view of this route having been used for trade and migration into the subcontinent. It has served as a passage for several invading armies with tussle for its domination.