NigG,
...Since Quetta is in modern day Pakistan, it can be imagined that there wasn't a lot of local hooch around...
Can't speak for modern day Pakistan: if you flaunt the stuff in public now I suppose you run the risk of stoning, flogging or beheading, but as their armed services there follow (as I'm told) inherited British customs to the n th degree, I hardly think the President would be toasted in lemonade or CocaCola on Guest Nights!
Then all was part of British India and a more liberal spirit prevailed. Chota and Burra Pegs were part of the social scene, and a "Collins" or two at sundown slaked the thirst as well as improving one's view on life.
Beer ? Quetta was 4,000 ft amsl - almost a Hill Station - and theoretically should have been able to brew beer. After all, if you want to distil hooch, you must start with a fermented liquor, and what is beer, after all ?
...It's obvious you were an authority on matters of drink!...
Gained a little inside knowledge by force of circumstance. Mess Secretary at Cholaveram (Pilot's Brevet: p.151 #3011), Bar Officer (all right, "Wines Member") at Thornaby (ibid p.189 #3765). 13+ years (after retirement from RAF) with H.M.C&E as VAT inspector, specialised in parting errant publicans from their ill-gotten (VAT) gains.
It was a living.
Danny.