Peshawar is the capital and largest city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in Pakistan. Situated in the northwest of the country, it lies in the Valley of Peshawar, east of the Khyber Pass. As the eighth-most populous city in Pakistan, Peshawar has a population of over 1.9 million. Its recorded history dates back to at least the 6th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia. Peshawar is considered a major cultural, political, and economic center of the region. The city is also known as the "City of Flowers".
Peshawar is known for its historical sites and cultural attractions. Some popular places to visit include Chowk Yadgar, a landmark in the heart of the Old City; the Mahabat Khan Mosque, known for its stunning architecture; and the Peshawar Museum, which houses a large collection of Gandhara artwork. Other attractions include the Bala Hissar Fortress, Bab-e-Khyber (the entrance to the Khyber Pass), and the Qissa Khwani Bazaar. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has recently revealed a Rs100 billion development package to upgrade Peshawar and restore its historic identity. The plan aims to improve civic facilities, revamp public spaces, and fast-track long-delayed urban projects. Furthermore, the provincial government has moved the Peshawar Smart City initiative into the implementation phase, which aims to bring transformational changes to urban life in Peshawar by improving essential services and long-term municipal management.
