Peshawar- Information taken from Net

Peshawar Guide

WARNING: Before going to the northwest regions, Swat, and Peshawar, check for travel advisories from your government, as these regions have become volatile and unstable, with fighting between the Taliban and Pakistani military.

Peshawar is a relatively prosperous frontier town in Pakistan near the Khyber Pass, which gives it a distinct Afghan flavor.
Getting There
By plane

Peshawar International Airport (PEW) is located about a 25 minute drive from the center of Peshawar, it is the 4th busiest airport in Pakistan. It is served by all Pakistan carriers including national flag carrier "PIA". Moreover, many Middle East airlines also serve this airport, such as Emirates, Etihad, Gulf, Kuwait and Qatar airlines.

Peshawar airport has international direct flights to Al Ain, Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha , Jeddah, Kabul, Muscat, Kuwait and Riyadh. The connections to/from other Asian, European and American cities are available VIA Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports. The domestic flights to/from Peshawar Airport are Chitral, Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
By train

You can reach Peshawar by train with Pakistan Railway pakrail.com from Karachi (36 hours) and Quetta (25 hours), both are via Lahore and Rawalpindi.

There are currently no passenger trains from Landi Kotal in the Khyber Pass.
By Road

Peshawer is connected with Islamabad via Motorway M-1 and via national highway N-5.
By bus

Buses and minibuses run to many parts of the country from here.

* Daewoo, www.sammi.com.pk, operates the most luxurious services to Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, Abbottabad and Lahore (Rs 600, 6.5 hours).

Getting Around

Auto-rickshaws give Peshawar two of its most well-known traits: polluted air and clogged streets, and are the most popular way to get around the city.

Walking is another option, but take care with the traffic and at night.
Sights
Peshawar
Old town of Peshawar

* The Old City Center with the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Bazar-e-Kalan, Clock Tower Square, Chowk Yadgar, Tehsil Gorgathri, Mohaabit Khan Mosque, Sunehri Masjid (Sadar), Peshawar Museum, Khyber Bazar. Parks includes Khalid bin waleed park, Shahi bagh and Wazir bagh. The traditional halal food of Peshawar can be bought from Namak Mandi, Khyber Bazar. The famous 'Kulfa' can be accessed from Qissa Khwani Bazar in the months of Apri-Sept every year, when there is hot weather in the city.

* Bala Hisar Fort is one of the most historic places of Peshawar. The word Bala Hisar is from Persian, meaning, “elevated or high fort”. Renowned historian, Dr A.H. Dani in his book "Peshawar-Historic City of Frontier" writes that when Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, visited Peshawar in 630 AD, he spoke of a "royal residence".

* Sethi Houses

* Ghor Khutree

* Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) The clock in this tower is one among the pair (second one in England) presented by the Queen Elizebeth, UK.

* Mahabat Khan Mosque; Mahabat Khan, the governor of Peshawar, built it in 1630 AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the ruler of the Mughal Empire in India from 1628 until 1658)

* Islamia College, is an educational institution located in the city of Peshawar of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. It was opened on October 1st 1913 as a constituent college of University of Peshawar by Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayum Khan and Sir George Roos-Keppel. Though its names suggests it to be some kind of a religious institution, it is not. In fact, inline with other government colleges, it primarily educates its students in arts, humanities and sciences.

* Peshawar Museum

* University of Peshawar, came into being in 1950 AD, institution is committed to achieving excellence in the undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service. The University provides superior and comprehensive educational opportunities at the baccalaureate through doctoral and special professional educational levels.

* Hayatabad is a posh neighborhood of Peshawar, famous for its Shopping centers

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Activities

* In the summertime hiking tours to the mountains are offered. Ask at Green Tours in front of the Greens Hotel, Peshawar Cantt, and Pearl Tours of the Pearl Continental Hotels. This can also be done by hiring a car, jeep or pickup from local 'Rent-a-Car' servicing private agencies at a very cheap rate ranging from US$20-US$60 per day, depending upton the condition of the vehicle. (the prices r correct as at June 30, 2006-maslampsh)
* Khyber train Safari
* Shah Qabool Gems Street, Namak mandi. You can buy gems and minerals precious and semi precious ask Mr Nasro Minallah Ahmadzai and co shop No 1 Ashoor building Shah Qabool Gems Street

Education
Universities

* University of Peshawar (http://www.upesh.edu.pk)

At present the University comprises of six faculties with 40 postgraduate departments, four centers, two centers of excellence, four colleges and three high schools. Student population on campus is over twenty thousand. The male-female ratio of student is 60:40. Current Ph.D enrolment is 162 and M.Phil 416; this includes 171 female aspirants.

The existing faculty of 84 Professors, 69 Associate Professors, 129 Assistant Professors and 213 Lecturers, has 170 Ph.Ds and 215 M.Phils. We are sending our teachers abroad on various programmes. A large number of national / international seminars and conferences are organized. Special emphasis is given to sports, co and extra curricular activities. The University enjoys a good reputation and our graduates are contributing immensely both at home and abroad.

* IM Sciences (Institute of Management Sciences) www.imsciences.edu.pk

The Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) is the foremost management school of the NWFP, and increasingly its recognition has been extending beyond the Frontier. As a public sector Institute it is markedly different from others because it is fully autonomous and self governing. This enables it to respond quickly to all new developments in the world of academia and meet the requirements of employers. IMSciences operates with a view to foster growth in students’ know how and professional skills and enable them to remain competitive in a tight labor market.

Today IMSciences offers degree programmes for business administration, management, information technology and public health. These are all similarly tied knowledge bases that help create synergy and foster the cross fertilization of knowledge. The current position of the IMSciences as a forerunner in education provision has come about as a unique case of self sustained development. This was made possible by a dedicated staff that had the creativity to grow beyond the narrow confines of state provided education. Most of the universities in Pakistan have been in stasis for decades now, but the IMSciences has been one of the few examples of successful growth in academia, one that has become a benchmark of quality for others.

* Agriculture University Peshawar, (http://www.aup.edu.pk)

Since its establishment in 1981, this University has been playing a vital role in imparting Agricultural Education and conducting basic and applied agricultural research throughout the Province, and disseminating the results of agricultural research among the farmers and general public through its outreach/public service activities.

* Khyber Medical University

Khyber Medical University is a pioneer institution in N.W.F.P in medical education and has created name for itself at national and international level by dedicated work of its staff and students. In fact, it can be proudly called as the mother institution for rest of the medical and dental colleges and other allied medical institution established in N.W.F.P over the past twenty five years.Today, Khyber Medical College enrolls 250 students yearly, and our graduates, numbering over 8000, are providing health care, not only in N.W.F.P and FATA, but also in rest of the country. In addition, our graduates are holding key positions both at home and abroad. Beside undergraduate medical education, the college offers teaching and research facilities to the postgraduate students, i.e. M.Phil, in all basic Medical Sciences, FCPS in Clinical as well as basic medical sciences, and minor diplomas in many specialties. The college is affiliated with Peshawar University and is recognized by PMDC. General Medical Council of UK, Ireland and licensing authority of USA. Khyber Teaching Hospital, established in 1976, in attached to the college for teaching/training purposes. It is a 1200-bedded hospital, which maintains high standards with competent medical staff and sophisticated equipments.

* Gandhara University

For over thirteen years Gandhara university has played a major role in education and training in North West Fronteir province of Pakistan. Founded in 1995 to train doctors, other colleges were later established to develop the institution into a University. Today Gandhara University has schools of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing and healthcare management.

In addition to Undergraduate education Gandhara University delivers postgraduate training an education through its Faculties of Public Health, Dentistry and the school of Postgraduate Studies. The Research Institute is one of Pakistan’s foremost research centres.

* Islamia College University

Islamia College is an educational institution located in the city of Peshawar of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. It was founded in October 1913 by Nawab Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum and Sir George Roos-Keppel. The college educates its students in arts, humanities and modern sciences. It was a constituent college of the University of Peshawar but in the year 2008 it was given the status of University and is now known as "Islamia College University" with Professor Muhammad Ajmal Khan as its first vice chancellor and Professor Dr A.Rashid Farooqi as its patron.

Being one of the leading institutions in the country, the University has been enjoying the prestige of providing high quality agricultural education and research to its students.

* City University (http://www.cityuniversity.edu.pk)

City university of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar is one of the first private-sector universities, chartered by the Govt. of N-W.F.P, recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the only university in Pakistan which has been accredited by the British Accreditation Council, UK. It is an extension of Peshawar Model Educational Institutes (PMEI), founded in 1979 with an aim to impart quality education at an affordable cost. Initially, only a primary school was established, comprising just one moderate campus with 300 students. But, in due course of time, the continuous efforts of our highly qualified faculty and dedicated management paid off and resulted in the establishment of eight separate school campuses, one degree college campus for boys and one degree college campus for girls, with a combined strength of over 14,000 students. Recognizing the extraordinary reputation of PMEI in providing quality education from primary to bachelor level, the Government of N-W.F.P granted the charter of City University of Science and Information Technology on August 30, 2001. By the grace of Allah, PMEI is now providing the facility of education from primary to postgraduate levels under one umbrella. The first batch of 89 graduates were awarded degrees and medals in MCS, MBA, M.Ed, B.Ed, and MA (Egnlish) during the First Convocation on 8th April, 2004 by the then Governor NWFP, Lt. Gen. (R) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah. Since then the convocations are being held with regularity. During the Second Convocation held on 24th November, 2005, 175 successful graduates of BCS, BSE, BBIT, B.Ed, M.Ed, MCS, MBIT, MBA (B&F), Ex-MBA and MA (English) were conferred degrees by the then Governor NWFP, Mr. Khalil-ur-Rehman. Ten gold medals and distinction certificates were also awarded to the outstanding graduates. The third convocation was held on November 30, 2006. 174 graduates of BCS, BSE, BBIT, B.Ed, M.Ed, MCS, MBIT, Ex-MBA, MBA,MBA (B&F) and MA (English) were conferred degrees, medals and certificates by the Governor N-W.F.P Lt. Gen(R) Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai. These results are indicative of a steady progress made by the university. Work on building the new campus has been started on the newly acquired land at Dalazak Road, Peshawar. First building of 100,000 sq. ft. covered area will be completed by end of 2007. The Foundation-Stone laying ceremony was performed by honourable Mr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, the then Governor N-W.F.P. This remarkable success story reflects the persevered efforts of the management and staff members. It is a great achievement for both the management and the staff of PMEI.

* National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST) www.nu.edu.pk/PwrCamp.aspx)

The Peshawar campus was established in 2001. It is housed in an impressive building, which has an architectural design similar to that of the Lahore and Karachi campuses. The green, well maintained lawns that surround the building add to the scenic beauty of the whole setup. The Campus covers an area of 4 acres and is in the Industrial Estate, Hayatabad. The satellite town of Hayatabad flanks it, which is an ideal place for students to find residence in privately run hostels. The historic Khyber Pass is within an hours drive from the Campus.

The campus has facilities for co-curricular activities. There are courts for volley ball, basketball and badminton. In addition, there are arrangements for playing indoor games and separate air-conditioned cafeterias for the male and female students. The students have a number of societies/clubs where they can learn and exhibit their talents.

* Iqra University, Peshawar (http://www.iqrapsh.edu.pk)

The Peshawar campus of IQRA university is the pioneer of IT education in NWFP, and remains to this day the principal institution extending the frontiers of IT in the province. This is being done in several ways. The Peshawar campus is unique in the wide diversity of its student body. Students are drawn not only from amongst fresh graduates and post intermediate levels, but also from amongst a wide variety of working professionals, including senior engineers, doctors, defense forces personnel, teachers, bankers, and other groups of professional managers. IQRA university is active not only in teaching and implementing software, but also in its development.The campus consists of well-furnished, air-conditioned classrooms, equipped with latest audio visual aids, a spacious information Resource center, and state-of-the-art computer labs, which provide a custom built infrastructure to achieve the mission and objectives of IQRA university.

* CECOS University www.cecos.edu.pk

CECOS Educational Institutions have been sources of continuous support to more than twelve thousand students for developing their careers, especially in Business Management, Computer Sciences and Information Technology since 1986.

The story of genesis of this University and its evolution through various stages, started in the year 1986, Engr. Muhammad Tanveer Javed established in Peshawar Saddar a small private sector institution - CECOS Data Institute with only five computers and a very few students. CDI than designed a One year diploma course in Computer Science and got it approved from Board of Technical Education (B.T.E) for implementation in NWFP. Later this institute got affiliated to Peshawar University becoming the premier college to offer post graduate courses in computer science and University of London for certain computer courses. Today, AlhamdoLillah, it has on its role over one thousand students.

Besides these in-land institutions, CECOS also moved to open the CECOS London College of Information Technology and Management in 1998, registered under UK rules, to facilitate credit transfer of our students to American and European Universities and to market software developed by us and conduct split degree programs. CECOS-London College is fully accredited and affiliated to world prestigious bodies like City & Guilds London, Institute of Management for Information Systems UK, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCA (UK) and British Computer Society to conduct diploma, advanced diploma and graduate diploma in IT, MIS and Business studies. These diplomas are equivalent to first year, second year and third year degree programs of most of the UK Universities with full credit transfer. All the courses of CECOS London college are fully accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC, UK). Another landmark was achieved in the year 2001 when CECOS IT Park Project was opened with the aim to provide live facility to the students for the development of software and to capture the huge International software market.

Finally, the dawn of a new era began when Government of NWFP after realising the dedicated and zealous efforts of CECOS Educational Institutions in imparting quality & professional education, granted charter for University under the name & style of CECOS University of Information Technology & Emerging Sciences. This charter was promulgated vide Ordinance No. XXI of 2001. The University is recognised by Higher Education Commission (formerly known as University Grants Commission - UGC), Govt. of Pakistan. CECOS University has also received accreditation from International Universities Accrediting Association, USA.

* Preston University

Preston University, was established as School of Business and Commerce in 1984 to foster academic excellence. Preston University is seriously committed to improving the quality of higher education in Pakistan. The university is managed by a group of dedicated professionals and academicians who have committed their lives to the cause of higher education in Pakistan. Since its inception in 1984, Preston Network has imparted knowledge and skills to thousands of individuals through many teaching programs. The experience at this University has played an important role in the professional and personal development of our students. Preston University will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to the society by creating and providing facilities for personal and professional growth of individuals who wish to make a career in the fields of business, technology, natural and social sciences, humanities, and arts.

* Abasyn University

Abasyn University was chartered on December 1, 2007 by the Provincial Government. Abasyn University was the first University in N-W.F.P to achieve highest Category "A". All its programs are fully recognized by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.
Colleges & Schools

* Islamia College

Islamia College is an educational institution located in the city of Peshawar of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. It was founded in October 1913 by Nawab Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum and Sir George Roos-Keppel. The college educates its students in arts, humanities and modern sciences. It was a constituent college of the University of Peshawar but in the year 2008 it was given the status of University and is now known as "Islamia College University" with Professor Muhammad Ajmal Khan as its first vice chancellor and Professor Dr A.Rashid Farooqi as its patron.

* Edwards College

* PAF Degree College

* Army Public College

* Jinnah College for women

* College of Home Economics

* Peshawar Moddel School and College

Several other public and private sector school, colleges and universities are operating all across the city and surrounding areas.
Money & Shopping

Before going to buy anything in Peshawar, you first have to be ready to bargain. You will need to bargain at most of the shops for items especially fabric. If you are a foreigner, be careful when shopping at shops that do not have fixed prices. The shop keepers will try their best to rip you off. When you ask how much, be prepared to offer half of what they ask and then bargain from there. Also, if the price still seems to high, don't be afraid to walk away. Many times they will call you back or you can find the same thing at another shop nearby. If is best to take a local person with you when shopping at stores that require bargaining.

The old town is a good place to stock up on Pakistani and Afghani handicrafts. These markets are located in almost all parts of the Peshawar, most commonly at Bazar Shah Qabool Olia, Namak Mandi, Khyber Bazar, Sadar Road, etc. (maslampsh)

Shafi Market (and surrounding bazaars) in the Sadar area is one of the best places to buy clothing fabric. You will find every kind of cloth from simple everyday fabric to fabric suitable for the fanciest of of occasions. The shops in Shafi Market work on a bargaining system for the most part. The market is usually very crowded, so keep a close watch on your money.

Dean's Trade center also just opened in late October 2007. It can be accessed from both Sadar Road and Sonheri Masjid Road. It is a beautiful shopping center. Many of the shop keepers who have stores on Shafi Market are also opening stores in Dean's Trade Center, however there is a lot more than just fabric at Dean's Trade Center. In general the prices are a bit higher at Dean's Trade Center, but it is much easier to shop there as it is less crowded. Some of the stores have fixed prices, but most will bargain with you. A to Z Mart is one a great general department store in Dean's that has clothing, cosmetics, stationary, housewares, and groceries. The prices are all fixed, but very reasonable. As of October 2007, most of the shops at Dean's Trade center are not occupied, so it is bound to only get better as more shops open.

In the Sadar area, the best place to buy fabric at fixed prices is at R-Sheen on Arbab Road. As for Shoes, Imperial, and Jolly, Service, Bata, and Stylo have the best ladies and kids collections as well as fixed prices. There are a number of ready made clothing shops along Sadar Road and Arbab Road as well. Most have fixed prices, but some will still bargain a bit so don't be afraid to ask. Also on University Road there are several Big Plazas and Fashion Outlets with outstanding class and Designs. Most of them are Fixed Price, take a look in the shop if its Fixed Price they must have it displayed otherwise don't forget to bargain.
Eating

* Khan's Club, Peshawar City, rated among Top 10 resturants in Pakistan by "The News"

* Chief Burger, University Town. Best fast food in town offering several kind of Burgers, Pizza's etc.

* Cafe de Milan, University Town.

* Clock Tower Food Streert, Peshawar City, for all local and traditional spicy foods.

* Masoom's, University Town, for continental foods.

* Pearl Continental Hotel Roof Top Bar B Que, on weekends only.

* KFC.

* Pizza Hut, near Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium.

* North West Frontier Heritage, roof top Bar B Que with live traditional music. Behind Firdos Cenima, Main GT Road, Peshawar City

* Habibi Resturant, (can be located in city and entrance to Hayatabad) for local and traditional foods.

* Chapli Kabab, a beef kebab flat, round shaped is the most famous and delicious dish of Peshawar. Several famous kabab selling shops are around. Information about them can be obtained from the travel agents or local hotels and guides. To name a few: Jalil Kabab House near Hayatabad Entrance is the most popular also you can find some others near the Ring Road Hayatabad

* The restaurants in *Namak Mandi serve marvellous tikka and karai."CHERSEE TIKKA HOUSE" is the most famous tikka shop here. Meat is ordered by the kilogram, and then prepared according to your preference, either as tikka (barbecued) or as karai (an oil-rich stew with tomato and chili).

* Faluda, a sweet dish mainly found on the Peshawar markets and bazaars especially Qisa-Khwani Bazaar.

* Fried Fish is also an another good treat, it can be found in Jalil Kabab House and some other restaurants near Hayatabad on Ring Road.

* Ofcourse the easy to eat and everywhere available "Samosa" and "Pakora"

Drinking
Peshawar
A pot of Kawa

Peshawar is known for its Kawa (Green Tea) which has a unique flavor, and is usually served sweet.

Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.



Hotels & Accommodation
Budget

* Tourist Inn Motel, 6 Saddar Rd, (NE of Saddar Bazaar, behind Jan's Bakers), +92(0)91-5279-156. Similar in facilities to Regale Internet Inn in Lahore, it's a popular place with budget backpackers and those wishing to meet up for onward travel. Has a kitchen, 3 big dorm rooms (Rs 150/person) and 2 double rooms, a community kitchen, and ample parking for self-drivers. The managers can arrange tours to the Khyber Pass, TakhtBai, Darra Adam Khel, where you can peruse gun factories and possibly even fire some of their products!

* The Rose Hotel, Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Chowk, +92(0)91-250-755. Good sized and fairly clean rooms with attached bath in a large, secure building. Parking is available. Another popular place to meet other travelers, and the office can arrange trips to the Khyber Pass and other areas, but at a premium. Doubles from Rs 400 w/cable tv and attached bath.

* Amin Hotel, main GT Road

Mid-range

* Greens Hotel, Saddar Rd, (1 block west of Tourist Inn Motel), +92(0)91-270-182. A nice mid-range hotel, with a decent restaurant. Rooms from Rs 1200.

* Hotel Grand, Tehkal Road, Peshawar. Rooms for Rs 1000+

Splurge

* Pearl Continental, Khyber Rd, (near Bala Hissar Fort), +92(0)91-276-631, www.pchotels.com. The nicest hotel in the city, 5 star standards, with a few restaurants, a business center with internet (Rs400/hour), and a swimming pool. Rooms from ~Rs 10,000.

* Khan's Club, Peshawar City. Standards are high but surrounded in a crowded area.

Safety

Peshawar is the home of several ethnic and religious groups, but has been spared any greater outbreaks of violence in the last years.

There were several bomb blasts in or near the old city in October 2006.

Police sergeants can be found in the streets and roads to ensure safety.

As a stranger, and therefore a guest, you can usually rely on the support of people around you should something or someone feel threatening. Make noise and create a scene, drawing as much attention to the problem as you can should work to your advantage.

Several areas bordering on Peshawar, the agencies, are administered by tribal authorities only, and outside the control of the regular police. Entry to these areas can be dangerous for foreigners.
Nearby Destinations

* The Khyber Pass is one hour away and can be visited by taking a taxi. It is in the tribal area and easy-to-get permissions (from the NWFP gov't office or through your hotel or tour guide) are needed for foreigners to enter this area. A taxi to bring you there and back to Peshawar shouldn't set you back more than US$20. See Bab-e-Khyber (Khyber Gate), Jamrud Fort, Shagai Fort, Ali Masjid Fort

* The Hayatabad, is a modern and first planned suburb at south-eastern fringe of Peshawar (the capital of the North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan)

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