At a Glance
Peshawar anchors the fertile Vale of Peshawar near the mouth of the storied Khyber Pass. A crossroads for Gandharan Buddhism, Mughal rule, and British forts, the city pairs ancient caravanserais with expanding suburbs that serve the broader Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Markets and Mobility
Karkhano and Namak Mandi bazaars fuel wholesale trade ranging from gemstones to dry fruits, while Hayatabad's industrial estate manufactures light engineering goods and pharmaceuticals. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system modernizes daily commutes, linking the old city with educational clusters and hospitals.
- The Peshawar Development Authority is upgrading housing and civic services across the western suburbs.
- Agricultural supply chains for tobacco, sugarcane, and vegetables converge in Peshawar's markets.
- Cross-border trade with Afghanistan flows through Torkham, supporting logistics and warehousing firms.
Culture and Cuisine
Peshawar's Museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive Gandharan sculpture collections, while Sethi House showcases intricate wooden jharoka balconies. Chapli kebabs, Kabuli pulao, and sheer khurma desserts embody Pashtun hospitality, best savored in Qissa Khwani Bazaar's tea houses.
Travel Pointers
Autumn and spring provide mild weather for wandering the old city's narrow lanes. Arrange guided tours for historic forts such as Jamrud, and build time for day trips to the Buddhist ruins at Takht-i-Bahi.
Visual Glimpses
Walk through Peshawar's bazaars, Gandharan heritage, and mountain gateways.
