Peshawar, a Mesmerizing Tale

 

Munaza Kazmi

Historically an important trading center, Peshawar lies in close proximity from the Khyber Pass, once part of the celebrated Silk Route, and an important gateway to the Indian subcontinent travelled by prominent conquerors and explorers.

Since most city’s exploration is done during daylight hours, there is plenty to easily fill a space of a few days. 

Starting from Peshawar Museum;Housed inside a glorious Victorian Mughal-Gothic building across the tracks from the Old City, nowhere else in the world is there a collection of Gandharan art more extensive than that of the Peshawar Museum,
ranging from statues and friezes depicting the Buddha's life to winged cupids and Herculean heroes.

Moreover, there’s a small Islamic collection with some delightful illustrated books, and an ethnographic section with wooden effigies taken from a Kalash cemetery, including an ancestor figure riding a two headed horse.

Islamia College; built in the year 1913, is the oldest institutions of higher education in Pakistan, also traces its historical roots from Aligarh Movement. Located on Hawal Road,the grounds of dramactic historical building are open to the public, allowing anyone to relish the glory of its Victorian architecture and tranquil, green premises. 

Next is the splendid Mahabat Khan Mosque,commissioned under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and renovated in 1898, is a sunny example of 16th century Mughal architecture, with its ornate interior and courtyard water reservoir especially inviting to visitors.The beautiful mosque is located at west of Chowk Yadgar, Ander Sher Bazaar.

The Cunningham Clocktower, known locally as "Ghanta Ghar", sits a mere couple of hundred meters away from the Chowk Yadgar, inaugurated in the year 1900, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of British queen Victoria. 

Going towards the old city, where I suggest don’t risk driving yourself, it is The SethiMohallah within the walls of Peshawar's old town contains rare examples of Central Asian-inspired architecture, building constructed by the once prosperous trader family. The intricate woodwork and carvings, along with ornamental interiors and stained-glass windows and ceilings, make for a fascinating look around.

Bala Hisar Fort; The impressive fort was once the seat of Afghan Durrani royals; ownership was transferred to the Sikhs in the 19th century, the fort eventually being rebuilt by Britain to achieve the look it has today. Bala Hisar now houses the paramilitary forces of Pakistan and an on-site museum is open to the public. Also, there’s a view point, or you can say highest point of the fort, from where one can have the luxury of viewing the whole Peshawar.

Apart from the must-dos of Peshawarone unusual attraction is the 1920s Khyber Railway, trips on which are only possible by prior appointment. Depending on their planned time of travel.

I guess it’s enough of discovering, now let’s jump on the food points of the city. Meat is an essential constituent of Peshawari dining, which comes in two main configurations: as tikka (barbecue) or karahi (a variety of spicy curry). A common way to order is to select the variety and amount of meat, and have it cooked in your presence. Other typical regional dishes include chapli kebab, fried fish, Kabuli palaw, and further Pashtun specialties. If you're sensitive to spice, make sure to indicate your desired levels of heat when placing an order.

The famous Namak Mandi where meat is ordered by the kilo, diners' selection then sent straight to the open kitchen to be cooked to their liking before their very eyes. Transparency is certainly part of the appeal, and so is the traditional ambience and authentic cuisine of Peshawar, where meats are cooked on low heat and full of taste and flavors.

Moreover, for a BBQ feast or special Peshawari taste, the area is also known forHujra Restaurant located on Ring Road.

Bukhara, at Pearl Continental Hotel; The rooftop barbecue restaurant is one of the finest dining in the entire city, offering panoramic views, and traditional floor seating for those who prefer it. Both a la carte and buffet service are available.

And city’s favorite eating place is Jalil Chapli Kebab.

There admittedly isn't much in the way of nightlife in Peshawar. The city's most common evening pastime is dining, with many restaurants staying open until late in the night.

Shopping is an art form in Peshawar, where avid bargain-hunters will feel right at home. Haggling is well-expected at markets and is even acceptable at some shops where prices appear to be fixed. Items to look out for include traditional sandals, Afghani woolen hats, pottery, brass and copper wares, quality fabrics, woven rugs, and a lot more.

A city's busiest shopping area across Pakistan is often known as "saddar", Peshawar being no exception. The array of shops and vendors is simply staggering and may prove overwhelming to the unprepared visitor.

Kabuli Gate is where TheKhyber Bazaar becomes QissaKhawani, or the "street of storytellers", is where traders and travelers of old shared tales of grand adventures in foreign lands, hence it’s the poetic nickname. Much has changed since, howeverQissaKhawani remains a vibrant market street, where clothing, teas, spices, crockery and metal houseware are still sold. Also, there is Dilip Kumar’s ancestral residence and Raj Kapoor’s Kapoor Haveli situated here.

Ander Sher is best known to get quality jewelry including pieces featuring authentic precious stones, it is a popular market with an abundant offering of various ornaments.

The Smugglers Market or Karkhano Market located on Jamrud Road has gained notoriety for the weapons and opiates sold in its closed-off-to-foreigners far end. You can find a variety of stuff;however, I endorse to travel with a local.

It’s much to explore in the city, from history to culture, art to aesthetics and from hospitality to love.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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I am Khan

 

Munaza Kazmi

“Pakistan became an independent state in 1947; but the freedom struggle begins again today against a foreign conspiracy of regime change. It is always the people of the country who defend their sovereignty and democracy”- Imran Khan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan was voted out of power, as 174 traitor members in the country's National Assembly sold themselves and went against him during the voting for no-confidence motion. 

With effect of it an imported government is going to establish, however against the wishes of the entire population of Pakistan.

Imran Khan has become the first sitting prime minister in the history of Pakistan to be removed from office through a no-confidence motion, in-fact the foreign conspiracy, the involvement of personal stakes and no doubt money. 

It is the first government that is being opposed by combine seven opposition parties, so it was 7 vs 1, was it that powerful, that strong that you all combined to beat one, the magnitude of intensity can be felt.

More to say, Imran Khan earlier tried to sidestep the vote by dissolving parliament and calling early elections, but dramatically a Supreme Court ruling ordered the vote to go ahead. 

I have a question, who are the judges to turn down the decision of Pakistan? We elected Khan, we consider him as our leader, our Prime Minister, why the decision is taken away from our hands, why the voting right never placed in hands of Pakistan? However, I know the answer very well, the fear of America, the involvement of personal gains, the lust of money and the BEGARATI.

Since, it has been confirmed by Imran Khan that, the government received a message from America the only terrorist in the world, through Pakistan's ambassador, which said “they would pardon Pakistan's all misgivings if Imran Khan was ousted. If happened otherwise, Pakistan would have to face difficulties”.

It is American change regime policy, because they have been slapped by Khan’s “Absolutely Not”.

America was using Pakistan’s territory in the pretext of War of Terror; however, the main purpose was setting its base for countering China and Russia.

Khan angered West by making a Triple Alliance Pakistan, China and Russia that’s no doubt the threat for them, since it would hinder their power in the region.

Moreover, Imran Khan was representing as a unifier of Muslim world, as we earlier had witnessed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OCI) conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 22-23 March 2022, in which the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and heads of Delegation of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Guided by the noble injunctions of Islam and the Quranic verse – “Hold firm to the rope of Allah collectively and create no dissensions” and “The believers are naught else than brothers; therefore, make peace between your brethren and fear Allah that happily ye may attain mercy”.

West can digest the Unity of Muslim World?

Moreover, Khan appeared as the advocate of Islam, combating against Islamophobia, Imran Khan addressed the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 27, 2019.  

"Terrorism has nothing to do with any religion," he emphasized. The term, he noted, was "used by some leaders [and] it has caused pain among the Muslims. Also, his "most critical" of issues during the UNGA speech, was to draw the world's attention to the emerging humanitarian crisis in Kashmir.

"This is the reason why I especially came here; it is about what is happening in Kashmir”- Imran Khan.

He added, "I want to make one thing clear that when we came to power, my first priority was that Pakistan would be a country that will try its best to bring peace. We had been through this war on terror,"

This all was more than enough for the Terrorist America, and their they decided for the Change Regime, since it was a clear sign of their power slipping, hence they bribed the already corrupt opposition and the institutions who are supposed to guard Pakistan; May Allah curse them.

The result of which we can see, a robber, a burglar, who’s having a complete corrupt record had been placed as Pakistan’s head.

Dr. Allama Iqbal rightly said, "Mir Jafar o bengal Mir sadiq o deccan nangedeen, nange adam, nangewatan".

 

These modern-day Mir Jafers sold Pakistan.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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A letter of prayers, best wishes and appreciation for PM Imran by Dr. Rita Pal from UK

 

A letter of prayers, best wishes and appreciation for PM Imran by Dr. Rita Pal from UK

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Has Pakistan Really Become Independent

 

Munaza Kazmi

 

The fate of Pakistan will be deciding on Sunday 3rd April 2022, by the already sold so-called members. However, I think who these are to decide who going to look after the affairs of Pakistan when we Pakistanis had already decided 3 years back.

 

It has been confirmed by Prime Minister that, the government received a message from that country, obviously America the only terrorist in the world, through Pakistan's ambassador there, which said that “they would pardon Pakistan's all misgivings if Imran Khan was ousted. If happened otherwise, Pakistan would have to face difficulties”.

 

Here a question rang in my mind, “After so many years of freedom, has Pakistan really become independent”.

 

Well okay, the world recognizes use as developing country, a poor country indeed, but we are not withstanding with this dictate. Today it is befallen on us, because history is speaking louder then anyone of the treacherous and deceitful nature of some of the lowly people, who had turned the tables and had changed the history of Sub-Continent forever. For whom Dr. Allama Iqbal rightly said, "Mir Jafar o bengal Mir sadiq o deccan nangedeen, nange adam, nangewatan"

 

The versions of those still plunder this region for years, and that’s what happing right at the moment.

 

I am mere a writer, I do not have any power, except in trying to awake my readers, but  don’t forget, together we are a force, a nation, a storm that can destroy whatever comes in the way. 

We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we can change the day after tomorrow, in way that our Pakistan would never had to bow in front of anyone, our country to whom Quaid given his youthful days, his most glorious moments, his life, along with millions and millions of others.

We are a nation of promising people not of slaves, we are the nation of our Prophet Muhammad (May Peace Be Upon Him), who’s faith stood erected in front of batil.

 

Remember, “It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.”

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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Afghan Refugees in Pakistan; A COSTLY Decision

 

Munaza Kazmi

Year 1979, when Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan, that resulted in a huge amount of Afghan refugees crossing the border into Pakistan; same people who voted negatively at the time of creation of Pakistan. 

This influx started through Torkham border, hence a million of Afghan refugees entered the country. Till today the country is showing hospitality towards thoseAfghan refugees, nevertheless the number became swollen hugely in the past forty years.

In the early years, Pakistan was receiving a handsome support globally, including food assistance from World Food Program to feed those empty stomachs, nevertheless that assistance was withdrawn in 1995. 

Gradually that made the Afghan refugees to move from the camps and turn themselves to the urban areas of Pakistan, nevertheless this was in good favor of those Afghan refugees, but still local government put a strain of limited resources.

If we contemplate the idea today then we could analysis how badly it turned for the country of Pakistan, first to let those Afghan refugees cross the border and then let them move to Pakistan’s civil areas, today much of Pakistan’s land is polluted with the whereabouts of these Afghan refugees.

Later the donors, like UNHCR, USA, EU, KSA, and other Islamic countries that first supported Pakistan in feeding thoseAfghan refugees have also set back, backing the 9/11 terrorist attack, since there seemed a drastic ideological change among the communities worldwide regarding the region.

Nevertheless, UNHCR somehow continued its support which assisted Pakistan in improving the Afghan refugee’s lives, but due to the recent global crises, mainly Syria, the focus of international community had diverted, which made Pakistan single handed in carrying this never-ending burden.

Over last four decades the Government of Pakistan and its populace is hosting millions of Afghan refugees. Currently there are 1.4 Million registered and God knows how many are wondering here and there undocumented.

Hence, the Government of Pakistan has reflected a very flexible conduct in handling the Afghan refugees’ issues and has allowed them to live with freedom, the liberty of moving, the luxury of education, food and safety. 

Even Pakistan have went so far in providing them with POR card from which they could open accounts in any bank.Moreover, several different programs had been initiated by private public partnership to provide the Afghan refugees with skills so that they could earn their livelihood. 

Even though Pakistan been so generous that the countryhas allowed the Afghan refugees to have higher education, encouraged them to join the national sport teams and domestic cricket tournaments.

But the sole purpose of hosting the Afghan refugees was to provide them with “asylum” until the situation easy in Afghanistan, which was a sign of humanity. But unfortunately, these Afghan refugees have rooted them selves which the wish of living in the heaven of Pakistan forever, as theses Afghans seem reluctant to go back to their country. 

It has been more than forty years that Pakistan is under the liability which never belonged to it. Today Pakistan have much more Afghan refugees spreading everywhere, which I believe was one of the biggest mistake Pakistan ever come across. 

While the country remained a generous host till all those years, the continued presence of Afghan refugees marked a burden on our precious resources.

Moreover, with the advancement of Taliban in Afghanistan, the government of Pakistan in 2021 however for the cause of humanity had taken a costly and foolish decision of allowing a huge number of refugees to reenter in Pakistan. Nevertheless, this was for a few months, but these few months had been turning into year, which is a disastrous sign, since the whole country is infiltrated with Afghans, our every business of life is being cruelly disturbed. 

Let’s say the rental values of homes have been climbed drastically, once the minimal cost of commodities of everyday use have surmounted, along crime rate, drugs mobility and a lot more. Moreover, it’s a threat to our culture, our language and our tradition, this’s basically against the national interest. 

As we have been their host for a long long time, instead of going back, herds of refugees had come once more.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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