While I'm a bit late in finding and replying to this thread, better late than never as someone might be looking to make the trip to Quetta and this might help.
I went from Karachi to Quetta last year - from August to December 2016. As a bank auditor, I had a lot (approx 20) branches to complete in various cities, from Hyderabad all the way to Chaman, Balochistan. Took my 2012 Daihatsu Mira for the trip, often coming back to Karachi. My trip was along the M9, Indus and national highways.
All I can say is the roads are extremely safe everywhere, provided you don't stop unnecessarily. It will take approximately 5-7 hours from Karachi to Larkana depending on traffic, 2-3 hours from Larkana to Jacobabad and 5-6 hours from Jacobabad to Quetta. I was traveling alone, with just my iPhone and music for company. A few tips that I learnt via experience are:
- Leave early in the morning, preferably by 8 AM or max 9 AM.
- Carry food with you. Water, biscuits, sandwiches and anything else you fancy so that you don't have to stop anywhere.
- Make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition. Tires, brakes, fluids, filters, the lot.
- Travel only during the day. Night travel is not advisable at all as after maghrib, the chances or robberies or dacoities rise exponentially.
- If you have the urge to take a leak on the way (I often need to do that) find a fuel station. Don't bother standing on the shoulder of the road.
- Use offline maps on your phone. Online maps need a network connection which you won't have on the highways at times, specially when going in the mountains. I'd recommend Sygic.
- Stop for the FC, Levies, or Sindh / Balochistan Police. I've found them to be very helpful and courteous. Anyone else, don't bother stopping.
- Enjoy the trip, but try not to stop and sightsee. I did that and nearly got nabbed by dacoits in broad daylight in Bolan.
I will be traveling to Quetta this year, hopefully by Road from Karachi, in a 2006 Cuore. If I go, I'll probably take the RCD. It is shorter by around 250 KM. When - I don't know as our plans are made by the Head Office. If I don't post by October though - remind me please.