Peshawar

Peshawar is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the eighth-most populous city in Pakistan, with a population of over 1.9 million. Located in the north-west of the country, Peshawar lies in the Valley of Peshawar, a broad area east of the Khyber Pass.

The city has a rich and ancient history, dating back to at least the sixth century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia. It was once the capital of the Kushan Empire and later an important trading center in the Mughal Empire. Peshawar has been ruled by many empires over the centuries, including the Ghaznavids, Durrani Empire, and the Sikh Empire, before becoming part of British Raj and later Pakistan after the Partition of British India in 1947.

Today, Peshawar is a major cultural, political, and economic center for the region. It has transformed over time, especially with the influx of Afghan refugees following the Soviet–Afghan War. While originally a Hindko-speaking city, it is now largely Pashto-speaking, populated mainly by Pashtuns, though the historic Peshoris still live in the central areas of the old Walled City.

Etymology

The name "Peshawar" may come from an old Sanskrit word "Purushapura," which means "City of Men." The city was named this by Mughal Emperor Akbar, who changed its old name, Parashawar, which he did not understand.

Over time, the city's name evolved to the current "Peshawar." Some believe it comes from a Persian word meaning "frontier town" because it was an important city near the Khyber Pass.

History

Main articles: History of Peshawar and Timeline of Peshawar

Peshawar has a long and rich history, having been ruled by many empires and kingdoms over the centuries. It was established as the city of Puruṣapura in the Valley of Peshawar. The city has been an important trading center and cultural hub throughout its history.

The city was conquered by Alexander the Great and later became part of the Mauryan Empire. During the first century CE, it was the winter capital of the Kushan Empire. Peshawar continued to flourish under various rulers, including the Ghaznavids, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Durranis.

In the 19th century, Peshawar came under Sikh rule before being annexed by the British East India Company. During the British era, the city became a center for education and culture. After the partition of India in 1947, Peshawar became part of Pakistan and grew as a cultural center in the country's northwest.

Geography

Peshawar is located in the broad Valley of Peshawar, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The city sits on flat land called the Gandhara Plains.

The city has a hot semi-arid climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 40 °C (104 °F), while winter temperatures can drop to around 4 °C (39 °F). Peshawar receives rain in both winter and summer, though it is not a monsoon region. The city is known for having very poor air quality, ranking among the most polluted cities in the world.

Peshawar's old city has a layout similar to ancient cities in South Asia, with historic walls, a citadel, and traditional buildings. Though many walls have disappeared due to development, important historic sites remain, such as the Mohabbat Khan Mosque and the Qissa Khawani Bazaar. Efforts are underway to restore the city's historic gates and protect its remaining architecture.

Main article: Climate of Peshawar

Demographics

Peshawar is the 8th largest city in Pakistan and the largest in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has a population of over 1.9 million people.

The city has a rich mix of cultures, especially because many Afghan refugees moved there during conflicts in Afghanistan. These refugees brought new traditions and helped shape the city's identity. The main language spoken in Peshawar is Pashto, but other languages like Hindko and Urdu are also common. Most people in Peshawar practice Islam, making up nearly the entire population. There are also small communities of Christians, Sikhs, and others, each adding to the city's diverse culture.

Economy

Peshawar's economy has long been important because of its location near the Khyber Pass, an ancient route used for trade between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In the mid-20th century, tourism also helped the city's economy as it was part of the famous Hippie trail.

In 2015, the average monthly income in Peshawar was ₨55,246, which is less than in cities like Islamabad and Karachi. The surrounding region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also less wealthy than the rest of Pakistan. However, Peshawar has been working to grow new business opportunities, especially in technology. Events like the World Bank-supported Digital Youth Summit help connect young people to jobs in the digital economy.

Transportation

Peshawar is a major transportation hub, connected by many roads, railways, and an airport. The historic Grand Trunk Road runs through the city, linking it to Islamabad, Lahore, and the border with Afghanistan. Motorways like the M-1 Motorway and M-2 Motorway also connect Peshawar to other cities.

The city has a major railway station, Peshawar Cantonment railway station, which is the end point of a long railway line reaching to Karachi. There is also Bacha Khan International Airport that offers flights within Pakistan and to nearby countries. A modern bus service called BRT Peshawar began in 2020, replacing older bus systems with a more organized network.

Administration

Peshawar is the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and has often been a key political center in the region. The city has seen various political parties gain support over time, including the Awami National Party, known for its secular and left-wing views, and the Pakistan Peoples Party, which focuses on socialist ideas.

Over the years, Peshawar has experienced changes in its government. After a period when a religiously based coalition held power, the city returned to secular leadership. Elections have seen high voter participation, showing the city's active engagement in politics.

Today, many households in Peshawar have access to basic services like piped water, although some still rely on private companies for their water needs. About half of the households are connected to sewerage systems, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve city services.

Culture

Music in Peshawar has faced many challenges over the years. After restrictions on public music in 2002, a hidden music scene grew in the city. Unfortunately, this led to dangers for musicians, and many music shops were damaged. By 2016, conditions improved, and the government began supporting local musicians with funds to help them continue their art.

The Peshawar Museum is a special place to visit, founded in 1907 to honor Queen Victoria. The museum shows beautiful artworks mixing many styles, including British, South Asian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Mughal designs. It holds nearly 14,000 items, with famous collections from ancient times, such as the Greco-Buddhist art, Gandharan, Kushan, Parthian, and Indo-Scythian periods.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Peshawar

Peshawar has been home to many famous individuals throughout history. These people have come from various backgrounds and have made significant contributions in fields such as politics, arts, and sports. The city’s rich cultural heritage continues to inspire new generations.

Education

Main article: List of universities in Peshawar

Peshawar is home to many schools, colleges, and universities. In 2013, some children between ages 5 and 14 were not yet enrolled in school. Today, Peshawar offers universities in many fields such as Humanities, General Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, Medical studies, Agriculture, and Management Sciences.

The first public university, University of Peshawar, opened in 1950. Other well-known universities include University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Agriculture University Peshawar, and Khyber Medical College. Many private universities have also been established, such as CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences and Qurtuba University. There are also several colleges, including Edwardes College and Islamia College Peshawar.

Landmarks

Peshawar has many interesting places you can visit. Some of these include the Governor's House, the old Kotla Mohsin Khan home of a famous poet, and the busy Qissa Khwani Bazaar. You can also see old forts like the Bala Hisar Fort, and monuments from British times such as the Cunningham clock tower.

There are beautiful parks such as Wazir Bagh and Jinnah Park. Important buildings like the Mohabbat Khan Mosque and the Peshawar Museum are also worth visiting. The city even has its own Peshawar Zoo.

Sports

Peshawar has many places where people can play sports. The most famous is Arbab Niaz Stadium, which is a big cricket stadium. Cricket is very popular in Peshawar, and there is also a cricket academy there. Another cricket ground is Peshawar Gymkhana Ground, close to Arbab Niaz Stadium. The oldest international cricket ground in Peshawar is Peshawar Club Ground, where the first test match between Pakistan and India was played in 1955. The city is represented in the Pakistan Super League by the Peshawar Zalmi.

In 1975, Qayyum Stadium was built. It is a multi-sports complex with facilities for many sports, including football, field hockey, squash, swimming, and more. Another sports complex, Hayatabad Sports Complex, was built in the early 1990s and also offers many different sports.

Twin towns and sister cities

Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Pakistan

Peshawar has sister cities in other countries. It is twinned with Makassar in Indonesia and Ürümqi in China. This means these cities work together and share ideas to help each other.