Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
History:-
Peshawar derives its name from a Sanskrit word, “Pushpapura” meaning the city of flowers. Peshawar’s flower was mentioned even in mughal emperor Babur’s memoirs.
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| Islamia College Peshawar |
People and culture
Peshawar is now, as always, very much a frontier town. The formalities of dress and manner give way here to a free and easy style, as men encounter men with a firm handclasp and a straight but friendly look. There is just that little touch of excitement and drama in the air that makes for a frontier town. Remember, we are in the land of Pathans, completely male-dominated society. North and South of Peshawar spread the vast tribal area where the biggest tribal society in the world lives. They are well known, though much misrepresented. Pathans are faithful Muslims. Their typical martial and religious character has been moulded by their heroes like Khushal Khan Khattak, the warrior poet and Rehman Baba, a preacher and also poet of Pushto language. Today, they themselves guard the Pak-Afghan border along the great passes of the Khyber, the Tochi, the Gomal and others on Pakistan’s territory, but before independence, they successfully defined mighty empires, likes the British and the Mughals and many others before them, keeping the border simmering with commotion and flame of freedom proudly burning.
Language
Pashto is the primary language of Peshawar , Other languages spoken include Hindko and Urdu is the predominant languages of the city.
Qissa Khawani bazaar
Here perhaps travelers or the relaxing townsmen were regaled with stories by professional story tellers in the evening, in the many teashops that still adorn the bazaar front, with their large brass samovars and numerous hanging teapots and teacups. As in most eastern bazaars, the shops of delicacies predominate, and here too, you will find many colorful fruit shops displaying the glorious harvest of Peshawar’s orchards. You will be waylaid by the enticing smell of Peshawar’s unrivaled bread and justly celebrated “Kebad” and “tikka” (meat sizzling on the hot coals) in the many wayside cafes. Leather goods shops are the next most numerous, selling that wonderful footwear, the “Chappal” or sandals, belts, holsters and bandoliers and a special variety of light but sturdy suitcases called “Yakhdan”.
Meena Bazaar
Located in the old city near Chowk Yadgar, is a ladies bazaar, displaying all kinds of articles like embroidered clothes, ribbons and lace, buttons and bows, in fact everything women need.
Pipal mandi
Located near Qissa Khawani bazaar, it is famous for its alleys full of wholesale grain, cloth and other goods for trade. A famous Pipal tree under which, they say Lord Buddha preached, still stands.
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| Masjid Mohabat Ali Khan Peshawar KPK Province of Pakistan |
Mahabat khan mosque
The most significant Mughal mosque in Peshawar was built by the Muhabat Khan in 1670 AD when he was twice appointed as Governor of Peshwar under Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and Aurangzed. The mosque was nearly destroyed by fire 1898 and was only saved by the unremitting efforts of the faithful. The extensive renovation of the mosque was done by traditional craftsmen. The mosque is a fine specimen of Mughal architecture. The interior of the prayer hall has been lavishly decorated with floral work and calligraphy.
Qasim Ali Khan mosque
Situated in Bazaar Misgaran in Qissa Khawani, this mosque was built during Mughal era by Qasim Ali Khan, brother of Mahabat Khan. It was rebuilt by Haji Ghulam Samdani a hundred years back when it was damaged by flood.
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| Masjid Qasim Ali Khan |
Peshawar Museum
Peshawar Museum is housed in the Victoria Memorial Hall, an imposing building of the British days, built in 1905. The large hall with side galleries and the raised platform, which was once used as a ballroom, now displays in chronological order, finest specimens of Gandhra sculptures, tribal life, the Muslim period and ethnography. The Museum remains open on all days of week, except Wednesdays and public holidays, from 08:30 hours to 17:00 hours with one hour break from 13:00 hours to 14:00 hours during summer and from 09:00 hours to 16:00 hours without break during winter. Entry fee for foreign tourists is approx Rs. 100/- per person.
Constituencies
The district is represented in the National Assembly of Pakistan by four elected MNAs.
MNA (NA-1 Peshawar )
MNA (NA-2 Peshawar )
MNA (NA-3 Peshawar )
MNA (NA-4 Peshawar )
The district is represented in the provincial assembly by Eleven elected MPAs,
Mr. Zia Ullah Afridi (MPA PK-1 Peshawar)
Mr. Shaukat Ali Yousay Zai (MPA PK-2 Peshawar)
Mr. Javaid Naseem (MPA PK-3 Peshawar)
Mr. Javaid Naseem (MPA PK-3 Peshawar)
Mr. Arif Yousaf (MPA PK-4 Peshawar)
Mr. Yaseen Khan Khalil (MPA PK-5 Peshawar)
Mr. Fazal Elahi (MPA PK-6 Peshawar)
Mr. Mehmood Jan (MPA PK-7 Peshawar)
Mr. Arbab Akbar Hayat (MPA PK-8 Peshawar)
Mr. Arbab Jahandad Khan (MPA PK-9 Peshawar)
Mr. Shah Farman (MPA PK-10 Peshawar)
Mr. Syed Muhammad Ishtiaq (MPA PK-11 Peshawar)
What Not to Do
Do not Photograph bridges and military installations,
Do not swim in the rivers
Do not Travel without your passport and other travel documents in the Northern Areas.
Do not Photograph local women without his permission
Do not Drive on mountain roads at night.