The University of Peshawar, as a mother educational institution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an outcome of the dream of the father of the nation and was created as the first ever University after independence. It is vigorously working with its full zeal and spirit, truly serving and sacred cause of education altogether.

The University of Peshawar, being a mother Institution of the Khyber Pahtunkhwa is not only catering for the academic needs of Peshawar but also of the whole province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The highly qualified and trained faculty, student friendly and supportive administration, modern curricula, conductive academic environment and excellent infrastructure are the hallmarks of the University. Its role in political, industrial and government leadership is recognized. The University has an over whelming contribution in bringing positive changes in the society.

The City of Peshawar

Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one of the oldest living cities in South Asia. Standing right at the mouth of the world-famous Khyber Pass, it is, and has been, the gateway to Central Asia in terms of trade, population, investment and invasions. In the past, Peshawar has been mentioned by various names ------ “Pulushalpulo”, “Poleushaha”, “Pushpapura”, “Parshapur” ---- are some of them. The Mughal emperor Akbar gave the city its present name, “Peshawar”, which means “The Place at the Frontier.

Situated in a small triangular plain, the city is bounded on the south by the river Bara, on the north by river Budni, an offshoot of the Kabul river, and on the west by the Khyber hills.

This old city has undergone several changes in history. Its rise and fall are inseparably linked with the story of the peoples that pushed through the western gates and made a bid for a new life in the vale of Peshawar --- the haven of refuge. There are very few ancient cities in the South Asia, which in spite of great stresses,

have retained their old complexion, Peshawar is one of them. A walk through the old city’s blind alleys will help you appreciate how Peshawar has retained its centuries old grandeur and complexion. The ramparts, though in dilapidated state, and the various gates, still exist to tell a story of the good old days. It is undoubtedly a true metropolis of the Orient. The “city of flowers” as it was known in earlier times, is still as handsome as its sons, and as charming as its daughters.

Peshawar is now, as always, very much a frontier town. Hospitality reigns in this land of contrast and beauty. The men, women and children; the streets; the buildings, the bazaars; the parks; and other exciting features offer their traditional hospitality, love, and affection to everyone. Some of the attractions at the city include: The Bala Hisar Fort, built by the Mughal emperor, Babur; the 17th century Mahabat Khan Mosque; the historic “Ghor Ghatrhe”, the centre of Budhist pilgrimage; the Peshawar Museum housing some rare specimens of Gandhara art; the famous “Qissa Khwani Bazaar”; the street of story-tellers with shops offering variety of items; the “Chowk Yadgaar”; the reputed University of Peshawar, which includes the Islamia College; the world renowned Khyber Pass, and the like.

Weather

The weather in Peshawar is extreme, both in summer and winter. The mercury oscillates in the higher forties on the Celsius scale, the hot weather lingering almost for eight months, starting as early as March and fizzles out in late October, towards the later quarter of the hot season, the humidity rises. On the colder side, the mercury hovers below ten degree Celsius but the colder stretch is limited to December and January and the rest of the months have moderate temperature.

Market and Shopping Areas

The shopping areas generally are concentrated in the old walled city and cantonment area, Deans Towers & Hayatabad Bara Markets. Modern shopping plazas have sprouted during the last decade on the main University Road.

Education

In the recent past, a large number of educational institutions have blossomed in the city. There are numerous schools, colleges, professional training institutions, and institutions of higher education. At present there are 15 Universities/ Degree awarding Institutions. The mother educational institution of the city and province is the University of Peshawar, located about 6 km from the city center on the road to the Khyber Pass.

Health Facilities

Beside three major hospitals, a large number of medium and small medical and allied facilities, both in public and private sectors provide medical coverage.

Communication and Transport

The city has a reasonable sized international airport beside rail connections to the rest of the country. It has a fairly good network of roads to numerous cities and towns. Public transport is available for intercity as well as intra-city transportation. The communication system is well abreast with the world, offering every mode of digital communication.

Hostels and Food

Accommodation is available to every type of consumer, starting from a very low to the very expensive, and eating areas are sprinkled all over town offering a variety of cuisines.