Why Peshawar a favourite city for foreign tourists?

PESHAWAR: Peshawar, with its rich history, delectable cuisine, precious stones, warm hospitality, and proximity to Afghanistan, has always been an attractive destination for foreign tourists. However, challenges such as obtaining no-objection certificate (NOCs) and restrictions on accommodations remain areas of concern for foreign tourists.

The tourism authorities said they were making constant efforts to address these issues to ensure that foreign tourists could fully enjoy their experiences in Peshawar.

When Scottish resident Christopher informed his friends about his travel plans for the year, stating that he intended to visit Peshawar, everyone was taken aback. They strongly advised him against going to Peshawar, citing concerns about the security situation in Pakistan.

However, Christopher had already made up his mind to explore Peshawar this year. Despite the warnings from his friends and loved ones, he remained undeterred and embarked on his journey to Peshawar.

Upon his arrival in Peshawar, Christopher quickly realised that the city was vastly different from the image portrayed in Western media. This was his first visit to Peshawar, and while he strolled alone through the storytelling bazaars, he did not experience the fear that had been instilled in him. Instead, the local people warmly welcomed him, and some shopkeepers even refused to accept payment for meals, extending their hospitality.

While Christopher undoubtedly made a positive impact from his Peshawar visit, he plans to return to his home country shortly. However, he says, the issue of obtaining NOCs for foreign tourists from the government remains a concern, which can deter tourism activities.

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It’s undeniable that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the northern regions have always held a deep fascination for foreign tourists, and Peshawar, as a historical city, is increasingly emerging as a hub for tourism.

Peshawar — A Historical City

As an ancient city, Peshawar boasts numerous historical sites that captivate tourists’ interests. Foreign tourists are particularly drawn to the old streets within the city, Sethi House, Gor Gathri, Bala Hisar Fort, Islamia College, and the Peshawar Museum, among others.

According to local tour guide Jalil Ahmed, most tourists are enchanted by Peshawar’s historic streets, where they spend the entire day exploring the narrow lanes, immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant culture.

“They capture images of the city’s streets and historical sites, wander around, and enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.

Peshawar’s Cherished Cuisine

According to Jalil Ahmed, foreign tourists particularly relish Peshawar’s cuisine. The city’s mouthwatering offerings, such as dry fruits, naan, chapli kebabs, and its signature Qahwa (green tea), enthrall their taste buds.

Travelers from the UK, Germany, France, the United States, and Japan, in particular, cannot resist the traditional Shinwari Karahi, which is a must-try.

He mentioned, “Foreign tourists are especially fond of Peshawar’s kababs, fruit markets, and naan. They also savour Qahwa as their favorite beverage.”

Precious Stones of Peshawar

Foreign tourists visiting Peshawar also take a keen interest in local precious stones. Many tourists, mainly from China and Thailand, frequent the gemstone markets, with the gemstones’ market being a prominent attraction.

Gemstone trader Wali Khan emphasized that foreign tourists often purchase emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones. “In comparison to Western countries, the prices of these gemstones are significantly lower in Peshawar,” he said.

Wali Khan stated, “Tourists are drawn to gemstones here. They don’t leave without buying gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and more.”

Warm Hospitality of Peshawar’s Locals

Peshawar residents are renowned for their hospitality, which resonates well with foreign tourists. Their friendly attitude often transforms tourists into their honoured guests.

The welcoming nature of Peshawar’s locals has always played a significant role in attracting foreign tourists to the city. It’s common for foreign visitors to adopt local customs, like donning the traditional burqa, which British women wear while exploring the city. These travelers, along with their Peshawari friends, explore the city’s markets, streets, and historical sites while enjoying the local culture.

Traveling to Afghanistan from Peshawar

Many foreign tourists visiting Peshawar express their desire to travel to Afghanistan, and the ease of obtaining an Afghan visa from Peshawar is a significant factor.

Travelers can reach Afghanistan in less than an hour from Peshawar, via an important stop-over known as the “Hippie Trail”, which connects Peshawar to Kabul, which is a historical route frequented by tourists.

German tourist Fabian said, “I have visited war-torn countries like Libya, Iraq, and Yemen, and now I want to see Afghanistan. I want to explore Mazar-e-Sharif, Kabul, Nooristan, and Bamiyan’s ancient artifacts.”

He told Urdu News, “I find it easy to obtain a visa from Peshawar, and I’m about to embark on my journey towards my next destination.”

Challenges for Foreign Tourists in Peshawar

Despite the allure of Peshawar, foreign tourists face challenges due to recent security concerns. Entry restrictions have been imposed, and some hotels have refuse accommodations to foreign guests.

One hotel manager in Peshawar said that the police have prohibited them from providing rooms to foreigners, even though foreign tourists possess all the necessary travel documents. Moreover, he said, foreigners were not allowed to stay overnight in certain parts of town and Saddar circle roads.

Similarly, hotels in the Town and Saddar areas have also turned away foreign tourists.

Saad bin Owais, a spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority, said that the requirement for obtaining an NOC for foreign tourists was not required before, but due to current circumstances, it has become mandatory.

He emphasised that work is under way to facilitate tourists with an SOP (standard operating procedure) for easy entry into Peshawar and their overall comfort.

“We are working to create an SOP for tourists to make their visit hassle-free,” he said.

Owais further stated, “If tourists encounter any issues, they can also contact the tourism authority’s helpline.