It was previously known as North West Frontier Province, it is located in the north-west of the country. It is bounded by Afghanistan to the north–west, to north-east is Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir to the east, to the west Federally Administered Tribal Areas and to the South Punjab.Area of the province 28,773 Sq Miles.
Peshawar is the capital city of the Province.In ancient times the vale of Peshawar occupied to Gandhara state. Due to its strategic location at the eastern end of Khyber Pass Kingdom remain important. Gandhara was annexed by the Persian Achaemenian dynasty remained a Persian satrapy until 327 BC.
Muslim rule was first brought to this region by former Turkish slave soldier named Sebuktigin was gained control of Peshawar in 988 BC. His son, Muhamud of Ghazna invaded northern India and brought a large area into the boundaries of Ghaznavid dynasty. In the beginning of 12th century, region was held by Ghurid Sultanate. In 1738 after the invasion of the Iranian leader Nadir Shah, the territory remained under the loose control of the Afghan Durrani clan. In 1818 invading of Sikh increasingly secured command and control of the frontier until the coming of British rule.
Britisher after second Sikh War annexed this area to India. The territories thenceforth formed a part of Punjab until the province then known as North West Frontier Province was created in 1901.
In 2010 the name of the province changed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
LANGUAGE
Pashto is native language of Pashtuns peoples who are found primarily between south of amu drya in Afghanistan and west of the Indus River in Pakistan. Pashto belongs to North eastern branch of the Indo-Iranian language family. The member of Pashto speakers is estimated 50-60 million world wide. Pashto also spoken Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
CULTURE
In order to view culture of the province, on must visit Kisa Khawani Bazaar, Here you found vessels in beaten brass and copper, fane hand woven, woolen fabrics, leather work, hand knotted rugs, namdas of beaten wool and carpets, caps made of mountain shape wool and lamb skin the Karakuli, finest quality woven fabrics with richly worked and pieces in bands of gold/tilla for lingis / turbans.
Chitrali cloaks of hand spun and hand woven wool and leather chappals in a range of traditional styles besides a hundred other products, all vying for space and attention. Not only native designs and forms but influence of Greek and Arab, Kashmiri and Persian central Asian and Tartar, European and Far Eastern motifs are also available.
The pathans celebrate their social and political occasions, their famous Pashto and Hindko folk music with Khattak sword dance are part of celebration. The Khattak dance is most popular dance which involves loud music of drums and pipes and flashing of blades while young man full in white shirts swirl and toss their hair back and forward or flick them from side to side in wild abandon.
LITERATURE
Khushal Khan Khattak is a big name in works of literature. He works more than 350 works of poetry and prose on subjects of wide ranging as ethnics, philosophy, religion, jurisprudence, medicine, sports and falconry. His poetry is an expression of his own pride and hatred he had for Aurangzeb.
Another big name of the past is a Sufi named Abdul Rehman locally called as Rehman Baba. His poetry is installed with spiritual and the longing for the divine. He seems to be inspired from Persian poets like Moulana Roomi, Hafiz and Shaikh Saadi.
GEOGRAPY
It lies on Iranian plateau comprises the junction where the slopes of the Hindu Kush mountains on the Eurasian plate to the Indus watered hills approaching South Asia. Khyber Pass links the province to Afghanistan.
The region varies in topography from north green plains to dry rocky on South. The climate varies from very hot summer to freezing winter. Despite of temperature variations agriculture remains important and viable in the area.
Geographically the province could be divided into two zones the Northern one expending from range of Hindu Kush to the borders of Peshawar basin and Southern one extending from Peshawar to Derajat Basin.
The Northern zone is cold and snowing in winters with heavy rainfall and pleasant summer. The Southern zone is arid with hot summers and relatively cold winters and scanty rainfall.
CLIMATE
Three main climatic regions :-
NORTHERN REGION
It has typical continental steppe climate with average annual precipitation ranging from 100 mm to 23 inches per year. At high elevations in Hindu Kush, snowfall is much heavier. Temperature in valley varies from 30 C to 0 C.
SOUTH REGION
The climate becomes more typical of the subcontinent. The combination of a short but powerful summer monsoon with frequent white clouds bends gives a bimodal rainfall in central parts of province. Temperature in this region are some what warmer than North region. In winter Swat receives significant snowfall but in Hazara temperatures usually are around 41 F.
SOUTHERN
This region has typically hot and dry climate. In summer temperatures are quite oppressively hot and in winter, however, this region is both warmer and generally dried than the rest of province. This region experience very little rainfall (monsoon) in summer while in winter rainfall usually peaks averages ranging from 10 inches to 4.5 inches.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND SOCIETY
Total estimated population of the province is round about 21 million. Pashtuns are largest ethnic group and historically known as Afghans. Afghan Refugees also become resident of the province and that are around 1.5 million.
Pathtunes tribes found in most rural areas are, Yousafzai, Bhittani, Darri, Khattack, Babar, Gandapur, Gharghat, Marwat, Afridi, Tanoli, Sherwari, Orakzai, Bangash, Mashud, Mohmand and Wazir. In Hazara division, Sevait, Kokar, Tareen, Jadoon and Mashwain. There are various non-Pashtunes tribes including Mughal, Turks, Ljufferr, Karlal, Rajpoot, Awan, Dhund Abbasi etc.
Nearly total population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa proffers Islam with Sunni majority and significant minorities of Shias and Ismailis. Many of Kalash retain their ancient religion.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Abbottabad Bannu Battagram Buner Chitral Dera Ismail Khan Hangu Haripur Kala Dhaka KarakKohat Kohistan Lakki Marwat Lower Dir Malakand Mansehra Mardan Nowshera Peshawar Shangla Swabi Swat Tank Upper Dir
ECONOMY
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s share comprised 10.5% G.D.P accounts for 11.9% total population of Pakistan. Its economy dominates in forestry where its share ranged from 34.9% to 81%.
Agriculture always remain important and cash crops include wheat, maze, tobacco, rice, sugar, beets, various fruits are grown in the province.
Numerous workshops across the province, manufacture small weapons and various types of weapons. Th province accounts for at least 78% of the marble production in Pakistan.
PESHAWAR
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The name Peshawar was derived from Sanskrit word Purushapusa meaning city of men and mostly called it as Pakhawar or Peshawar in Pashto and Pishor in Hindko.
Today Peshawar is the prime city of Pakistan and it is 200 KM from Kabul capital of Afghanistan. It is central hub after Karachi for the imported items from daily consumer goods to the most luxurious items. It is common perception in Pakistan that if you need something that can’t be found anywhere in Pakistan so go to Peshawar Karkhana Market that is near Hayatabad.
Peshawar becomes minor metropolitan due to an increasing diversity of people coming from different parts of the country for the sake of employment and quality education as it is the only city in the frontier province which provides variety of jobs and other facilities.
MOHABAT KHAN MOSQUE
Mosque located in inner city of Peshawar. Mosque was built in 1670. Mosque is rectangle of 185’ x 163’, approached through three raised entrances one each on the east, north and south. Its open courtyard has an abulation pond in the middle and a simple row of rooms around the sides. On the west side there is prayer hall flanked by two tall minarets. The interior of the prayer hall is sheltered beneath three low fluted domes and is lavishly and colorfully painted with floral and geometric designs.
PESHAWAR MUSEUM
Museum is situated in old city of Peshawar near Railway Station. The main hall of museum was built in 1906 – 1907 in memory of Queen Victoria. Originally it is called as Victoria Memorial Hall.
It is two story building constructed with British and Mughal architectural step. The museum has one of the best collection of Gandhara art. In sculptures illustrating the life of Buddha. Gallery exhibits wooden facades of mosques, Arabic and Persian inscriptions. Some of the best works are the Islamic metal artifacts in bronze and silver and calligraphic specimens are also present.
KISSA KHAWANI BAZAAR
Kissa Khawani Bazaar (Market of Storytellers) is famous bazaar of Peshawar. The market is dotted with its traditional Kehwa Khanas, Tika Kabab, Chapli Kabab and dry fruit shops along with a number of modern showrooms of leather ware and garments.
Some of the Business of Kissa Khawani Bazaar are bamboo, sweets, faluda and silver utensils which are still there and active. Also there are number of publishing houses of books.
It was the site of massacre when British soldiers fired upon a crowd of unarmed protesters in 1930.
GOR KHUTTREE
This is ancient city of Peshawar, it was identified by Sir Alexander Cunningham, while professor Dr Dani stated that it famous tower of the Buddha bowl once stood.
Jahan Ara Begum daughter of Emperor Shah Jehan converted Gor Khuttree into a caravanserai's, she also constructed a Jamia Masjid, a sauna bath and two wells for convince of travelers and named it Sarai Jahanabad.
KHYBER TRAIN SAFARI
It is a railway route from Peshawar to Landi Kotal and this route has been described as a journey into time and history. The train covers 34 tunnels 92 bridges and culverts and around 42 kilometers area.
The wife of victory Bailey, the engineer, assigned for the construction of line drove the first train on the Khyber Pass Railway into Landi Kotal.
BALA HISAR FORT
Bala Hisar is a Persian word meaning elevated or High Fort and it is one of the most historical places of Peshawar. According to Dr Ayaz Khan, the name was given by the Afghan King Timur Shah Durrani.
This fort stands on north western corner of Peshawar. The forts position on a high mound gives a commanding and panoramic view of Peshawar.
OTHER HISTORICAL PLACES
Burj Hari Singh
Chowk Yadgar (Hasting Memorial)
Cumighan Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
Tombs of Rahman Baba, Akund Darweza, Sultan Baba, Nawab Syed Khan, Ashab Baba, Shaikh Imanuddin, Burj-e-Roshni
PARKS
ARMY STADIUM PARK
This park is an amusement park for children and families. Variety of entertainment available here like game shops, restaurants, play pens, shopping arcade and banks also available here.
BAGH-e-NARAAN
It is largest and most beautiful park located at Hayatabad Peshawar. It is most recreational park of Peshawar. This park is also popular for ethnic Afghans.
OTHER AMUSEMENT PARKS
• Wazir Bagh
• Ali Mardan Khan Garden
• Shahi Bagh
• Garrison Park
• Tatara Park
SHOPPING PLACES IN PESHAWAR
JAN’S SHOPPING MALL
It is the biggest and modern age shopping mall of Peshawar. People can find fine apparel, lingerie, designers shoes and traditional clothing. During weekends, mall is rushed up with teenagers and students of local university to buy and spend time there.
ANDAR SHER (SARAFA BAZAAR)
It is very famous bazaar for gold jewellery. You will find a variety of gold ornaments. People can be seen competing for the best bargains in Afghan run shop full of antiques.
MOCHI BAZAAR
Mochi bazaar is situated near Qisa Khawani Market. It is famous for Pashtun Chappals and leather bags at low price. At the end of Bazaar, there are shops full of copper smiths, they are highly skilled and up to mark of international standards.
DEANS SHOPPING MALL
This is four story, ultra modern and newly built shopping in cantonment of Peshawar situated at easily accessible location. It is prime attraction for families, if they are in mood of purchasing grocery cum shopping outing, it the hyper market. Sheraz Arena is top floor of the mall which is spacious for marriage and banquet hall. Variety of stores for shoppers and hustle bustle make this place to loiter around on a lazy evening.
OTHER FAMOUS SHOPPING MALLS are:-
• City Towers
• Town Towers
• Bliour Plaza
• Mega Mart,
. DTC Peshawar
EATING PLACES OF PESHAWAR
NAMAK MANDI
Namak Mandi is an exceptional food center where one can not resist the aroma of Balti, locally known Tikka Karahai to enjoy their favorite cuisine. It is situated near Shuba Bazaar, Namak Mandi lasted 50 years to develop to present status and its traditional and heart touching taste attracts all the food lovers whether foreigners or local.
There are about 30 tikka shops and famous among them are Charsi Tikka, Khan Tikka and Mehran Tikka.
SHIRAZ RESTURANT
It is one of the best eating place of Peshawar, here you find quality of food with taste, it is the most high ranking eating spot among the Peshawarites, here you find Chinese and continental foods, fresh foods on order and buffet. Most of all it is open till late night.
OTHER FAMOUS EATING PLACES:-
• Pearl Continental
• Green Hotel
• Khan Club
• Habib Rose Restaurant
• Karachi Biryani House
• Namkeen and Taraskoon – Ring Road
• Four Season and many more
TARBELLA DAM
This is the world’s largest earth filled dam in Swabi, it is on one of the worlds most important river, River Indus. Dam was constructed by 15000 Pakistani and 800 Foreign workers and engineers, at a cost of 18.5 billion in 1976. It is the biggest hydel power station in Pakistan and generating 3,478 MW of electricity. Total area of lake is 260 Sq KM with preserving capacity of 97 KM long with depth of 137 meters. The Dam is 143 M high and 2743 M wide at its crest. Permits are required to visit the Dam.
TAKHAT-i-BAHAI
Takht means throne and bhai means water or spring, it is so called because it was built atop a hill watered by spring. Takhat-e-Bhai, a Buddhist monastery located on a rocky ridge about 15 Kilometers from Mardan. The feature, which distinguishes this site from other is its architectural diversity and its romantic mountain setting.
The building include main stupa and two courtyards in different terraces surrounded by votive stupa and shrines, the monastic quadrangles surrounded by cells for the monks and a large hall of assembly. Takhat-i-Bhai had a wealth of ancient Buddhist remains. A long range of different sized Buddha and Buddistavas from Takhat-i-Bhai fill many museums cultivation.
HAZAARA REGION
This region comprised of six districts, Abbottabad, Battagram, Haripur, Kohistan, Manshera and Torghar district.
The region of Hazara is like a door to heaven, it was favorite gate way from the plains into Kashmir during Mughal, Durrani and Sikh Rule. The worlds famous Karakoram Highway flows through the entire length of Hazara. Hill stations collectively known as the Gallis and Kaghan Valley are the best known parts of Hazara.
THANDIANI
Thandiani literally meaning cool place. It is a hill station in the Galayat area of Pakistan. This place was established as a sanatorium during British Rule, it contained Europeans houses and a small bazaar which were occupied only during the summer months. This beautiful spot can easily be approached from Abbottabad which is 24 KM away. It has loveliest views of all hill stations of Pakistan. The scenery here is breathtaking and superb.
SHOGRAN
Shogran is a village which is situated at a distance of 34 Kilometers from Balakot, it lies on a green plateau in Naran Valley at a height of 2,362 meter above sea level. From Shogran, you can ride a jeep or horse or hike to several pictures queue places like Siri, Paye and Makra Peak.
NATHIA GALI
It is a mountainous resort or hill station in Hazara. It is a part of Galiaath, areas ending with word gali most of which are connected to one another. Nathia gali is popular for its scenic beauty pleasant weather and liking tracks.
Nathia Gali clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, it can be approached both from Muree and Abbottabld. It is 34 KM from Abbottabad as well as from Muree. Nathia Gali is 2501 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green lofty mountains.
DUNGA GALI
Dunga Gali is beautiful tourists mountain resort situated on the slopes of Mukshupri Hills. The hills are wooded and present a beautiful view. Dunga Gali lies at an attitude of 2,500 meters.
During British rule, Dunga Gali served as a sanatorium and contained hotel, post office and a small church. The area was visited by Europeans during summer.
AYUBIA
