Peshawar
Peshawar is the provincial capital of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province as well as the capital of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Located on the edge of the Khyber Pass, Peshawar is the commercial, economic, political and cultural capital of the Pakistani frontier and, particularly, of the Pashtuns. In ancient times the city was known as Purushapura when it was officially founded by the Kushans. For much of its history, it was one of the main trading centres on the ancient Silk Road and was a major crossroads for various cultures between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
Peshawar, as a traditional city with a rich history, offers everything from goldsmiths and silversmiths, traditional carpets (one of the big exports of Pakistan today), pottery, and clothing to artwork in wood, brass or semi-precious stones. The old walled city, was known for its 16 gates — Bijouri, Kabuli, Aasamai, Kutcheri, Rampura, Hasht Nagri, Toot, Kohati, Sirki, Thandi Khoi, Barzaqan, Ganj, Ramdas, Dabgari and Lahore Gate. The names given to these gates are significant. They trace the historical connections — both cultural and commercial — of a city that used to be a sanctuary for raiders, rulers, travellers, caravans, adventure seekers and literary people since times immemorial. Most of them unfortunately no longer exist. There are many bazaars with different goods and souvenirs for travellers. The main ones include the historic Qissa Khawani Bazaar, the Copper market, Chowk Yadgar and Andarsheher Bazaar.
Abbottabad
Abbottabad is the principal city of Abbottabad District in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. It is located 100 km (75 miles) north of Islamabad and 205 Km from Peshawar, at an altitude of 4120 feet (1250 metres) above sea level. The city is located in a valley and is known for its pleasant weather, educational institutes of high standards and military establishments. It remains a hub of tourism in the summer.
Like much of the mountainous Northern Areas of Pakistan, tourism is one of the important sources of economic activity in Abbottabad, in summer when temperatures in the plains of Pakistan rise to well above 45 degrees Celsius , large number of tourists travel north to Abbottabad to shelter from the blistering heat. The Karakoram Highway, which traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, starts from Havelian 15 km south of the Abbottabad town, and passes through the city. The Karakorum Highway is an attraction for the adventure tourists. Abbottabad is the last big town, the first mild-weather tourist city in Northern Pakistan for the tourists coming from the plains in the south.
Bannu
Bannu is a city in NWFP province of Pakistan. It is a divisional administrative centre (see Bannu District), and an important road junction and market city. The present location of the town was founded by Sir Herbert Edwardes in 1848, and was formerly called Edwardesabad. It was a leading British military base, especially in actions against Afghan border tribes.
The people of Bannu are known as the Banisee, the main language of Bannu is Pashto as 98% of the population are ethnic Pashtun. There are also members of the Awan tribe in this area. As most of the population live in villages, that is why Bannu derives its cultural traditions from these villages. A few decades earlier, there used to be only one mosque in every village. All the people of that village would pray there. That reflected a sense of unity. However, now a days there are many mosques in every village. Almost all the large families have constructed a separate mosque for themselves. Disputes and clashes are the main reason behind this.
Batgram
Batgram district is located in what used to be the Hazara Division of NWFP, Pakistan. It has a total land area of 1301 Square Kilometre. The estimated population of Batgram in 2004-2005 was 361,000. With 277 inhabitants per Square Kilometre, it has a decent population density as well.
This district has world fame for its beautiful mountains, thick forests, fertile lands and enchanting streams. Most of the population is rural and depends upon agriculture for their day to day living. As a recent phenomenon, fishing has also become a mode of earning due to some modern scientific techniques. Another distinctive feature of this district is the notable presence of Shahra-e-Resham or Silk route and hence which is helping the infant industrial base to thrive.
Charsadda
Charsadda is a a town in Charsadda District, in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It is located 29 kilometers from Peshawar.
The main crops of Charsadda are; Tobacco, Sugarcane, Sugarbeat, Wheat and Maiz. Vegetables include Potato, Tomato, Cabbage, Brinjils, Lady finger and Spinach. Among orchards; Apricot, Citrus, Plum, Strawberry and pears are famous. The land of Charsadda is very fertile and beautiful and closely resembles Damascus due to its beauty. There are three rivers flowing in Charsadda: the River Jindi, the Kabul, and the Swat. These are the main source of irrigation for Charsadda. The three rivers then merge and join the Indus River.
Chitral
Chitral Town, capital of the Chitral District, is situated on the west bank of the Chitral (or Kunar) River. The town is at the foot of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush, 7,708 m or 25,289 ft high. It has a population of about 20,000, while the District (of 14,833 km² or 5,727 sq mi), has a population of about 300,000. The altitude of the valley is about 1,100 m or 3,700 ft.
The easiest access to Chitral is in the southwest along the Chitral/Kunar valley towards Jalalabad; this route is open all year and provides direct access to Kabul. However the Pakistan-Afghanistan border prevents this being used as an internal route to Peshawar and the south.
Dera Ismail Khan
Dera Ismail Khan is a city in North West Frontier Province, Pakistan. The town is situated on the west bank of the Indus River.
The population is the mix of ethnic Balochi and pashtun segments, while a significant segment of Urdu speaking immigrants is also present. Urdu, the national language is understood and spoken by all, while Seraiki is the native language and language of people. Pashto is also spoken, but is mostly restricted to the Pashtuns only. Like all other cities and towns of saraiki speaking belt, Dera Ismail Khan is also famous for a desert delicacy called sohan halwa. The shops of this delicacy are mostly situated in Topawaala bazar. Dates are grown here in abundance and is one of the major exports.
Jamrud
Jamrud is a town located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The town is the doorway to the Khyber pass, part of the Hindu Kush range. The town has road and rail linkages with Peshawar city of Pakistan, and a pass connects it with Landi Kotal, located near the borders of Afghanistan.
Jamrud, lying in proximity to the Khyber pass, has remained a location on the trade route between central Asia and the South Asia and a strategic military location.
Hangu
Hangu is a town in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. It is the chief city of the district of Hangu. Hangu is famous for its greenery, hills, beauty and water.
Hangu is situated in the upper Miranzai Valley bordering the Samana Range in a green valley. Hangu is a developing area. It has one civil hospital two government high schools for boys and two govt schools for girls. There is a degree colleges as well for boys and girls as well. Most of the people of this area are Pashtuns.
Kohat
Kohat is a medium sized town in central North West Frontier Province in Pakistan. Kohat is the capital of Kohat District. The town contains a British-era fort with a pool, various bazaars, cantonment area, the tombs of the Sufi teacher Haji Bahadar Ali Abdullah Shah, Mian Fateh Shah (Sherkot, Kohat) many mosques and schools. The Narrow Gauge Railway runs through the town. Until the abolition of the divisions of Pakistan it was the capital of Kohat Division. To the north of Kohat lies the Kohat Pass.
Landi Kotal
Landi Kotal or Landikotalin Pakistan is the highest point on the Khyber Pass, a route across the mountains from the near-border city, Peshawar. Landi Kotal is a tourist destination which is accessible by train or road from elsewhere in Pakistan, or by road from the Afghanistan border just five kilometres to the west.
The natives live in mountain villages, two of the more notable ones being Chinar Kaley (which is known for the sizeable wall that was built for the safety of the residents) and Ayub Kaley, which is the most modern of the local villages and was built by a wealthy member of the Khyber Agency. Landi Kotal is the main shopping center for both the Shinwari and Afridi tribes.
Malakand
Malakand is a region in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Named after Malakand Agency, a part of this region, it covers one third of the total area of the province. The region is further divided into Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Shangla Districts and Malakand Agency. The main language is Pashto. Kohistani, Urdu, and English are also spoken.
Mansehra
Mansehra city is located at 34°19'60N 73°12'0E in Mansehra District, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan. It is very near to Abbottabad city.It is a major stop for tourists on the Karakoram Highway which leads to China. It is also a major transit point to the northern areas and locations such as the Kaghan Valley, Naran, Shogran, Lake Saiful Mulook and Babusar Top.
Mardan
Mardan is a city situated in Mardan District in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It was the part of ancient Gandhara Civilization. Most of its land is agricultural. It has one of the world's best irrigation system, which was laid down by the British government during British Rule on subcontinent (1857-1947). There are still remains of the Gandhara Civilization, scattered in different areas of Mardan. It is also a tourist spot due to its rich culture and hospitality.
Nowshera
Nowshera is the chief of city of Nowshera District in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Nowshera city is famous mainly for its colonial era Cantonment which is home to the Pakistan Army "School Of Artillery", School of ASC, ASC centre, Armour centre and School of Armour of Pakistan Army. The area comprises many famous Pakhtun tribes including the Badrashi Khattaks, Kakakhel Miangan and Babers. It is also at the junction of Peshawar and Swat Road.
It is the only district of Pakistan with three Cantonments namely Nowshera Cantonment, Risalpur Cantonment and Cherat Cantonment. Nowshera district is spread over a large area with the Kabul River bisecting the district. Nowshera District also borders Punjab province. Nowshera is also the home to the Tomb of famous Sikh Commander Phula Singh, now an object of pilgrimage to Hindus, Muslims & Sikhs alike.
Swabi
Swabi District lies between the Indus and Kabul rivers, in the NWFP of Pakistan. Its residents are referred to as 'Swabiwaals'. Swabai is the fourth most populous district of the NWFP with the Yousafzai clan of Pukhtoons being the predominant clan of this district.
The history and culture of Swabai is very rich. The late historian Roshan Khan Baba from this region wrote about the history of this great tribe in his book 'History of Yousafzai Tribe'. A drive to Swabai from Jehangiray or Mardan is scenic and a beautiful experience. Lush green fields and shady trees line the road on either side.
Swat
Swat is a valley and a district in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. the capital is Saidu Sharif. With high mountains, green meadows, and clear lakes, it is a place of great natural beauty, and a popular destination for tourists.
The lush green and historic Swat Valley lies between 34°-40′ to 35° N latitude and 72′ to 74°-6′ E longitude and is part of the Provincially Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The valley is an integral part of the strategic and significant region where three parts of the Asian continent–South Asia, Central Asia and China, meet.
