Taking a trip to Quetta & Peshawar

[deviously~fading~away]

PPs I am heading off to Pakistan after about 10+ years. As the explorer in me would have it instead of traveling to cities like Karachi & Lahore, I will be traveling to Quetta & Peshawar thus becoming the 1st person in my entire family/friends/social circle to visit these two cities.

I will be staying one day each in both the cities. Now too be honest anyone & everyone I have spoken to me has told me "do this, don't do this, choose this hotel, don't go there etc."

I have been told not to travel too far from hotel. Not to take taxis at airports & instead use hotel transportation. Not to dwell around too late in the night. Stay away from crowded locations/bazaars. Wear shalwar kameez in Peshawar when heading outside.

During the trip my main focus will be to speak with as many locals as possible since that is the main reason as to why I am traveling to these two citiies.

I wanted to ask if any of you have any tips or recommendations for me.

[Foozee]

don't take neswaar..

[Prince_Pathan]

man just for sheer safety

stop disclosing where you are staying


yeah do wear shalwar kameez though, peshawer is really not as bad as all the propoganda makes it out to be
i went there and walked around safely

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan man just for sheer safety stop disclosing where you are staying yeah do wear shalwar kameez though, peshawer is really not as bad as all the propoganda makes it out to be i went there and walked around safely

From what I have heard things are not as bad as people make it sound. In Peshawar I am told you can see quite a few people wearing shirts & jeans. In hotels you find lots of foreign journalists as well.

[ali85]

d~f~a,

Its your trip and your money but why are are you bothering visting such dangerous places (one of the most dangerous places on Earth)? There are so many kidnappings of foreigners over there it isn't even funny. Add to that the risk of bombing in places like Peshawar.

PPers who have visited those places recently (Khyber Pakthunkhwa or Balochistan) are either Pathan or Baloch so even if they go there from USA, they are 'local' or at least they can keep low profile.

You are either Muhajjir or Punjabi so why are you taking a risk? You live/work in Dubai and travelling to Pakistan is expensive and risky as it is. Stick to Karachi/Lahore and if you feel adventurous, go check out Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, and the Moenjodaro/Harappa sites in Sindh.

I would have encouraged you to visit Western Pakistan provided it was safe over there but currently, visiting Iran would be safer than visiting those areas.

Having said all this, I realize I am nobody to stop you so enjoy your trip.

[Prince_Pathan]

i have to reluctantly agree with above post
when i went there i was ok and it seemed safe and to me it looked like media propoganda but maybe thats because i speak the language and i am from there


your a good person, and it would probably upset me alot if god forbid something forlorn happened



in saying that our next door neighbours in pekhawar are punjabis so like it doesnt really matter about ethnicities and you will probably be ok but stop disclosing where you are staying please...you really never know which types of lowlifes follow these threads on forums

[PakPrince]

you're making it sound like as if you're doing some real dare devil act

truth is as long as your are Pakistani and brown you will be safe unless you look for trouble!

Inshallah, it will be safe and peaceful

[Down2Earth]

lmao at the tom clancy posts. you'll be safe in the cities, just don't drift into the suburbs

[khankhan]

WOW surprised at the posts here regarding wearing shalwaar kameez, etc. in Peshawar
No worries bro. go there and chill just dont disclose to people that you are from dubai .. and even being from dubai is quite normal here now ..

dont be afraid.. dont reveal too much to about yourself to stangers and inshallah you will be fine..

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by ali85 d~f~a, Its your trip and your money but why are are you bothering visting such dangerous places (one of the most dangerous places on Earth)? There are so many kidnappings of foreigners over there it isn't even funny. Add to that the risk of bombing in places like Peshawar. PPers who have visited those places recently (Khyber Pakthunkhwa or Balochistan) are either Pathan or Baloch so even if they go there from USA, they are 'local' or at least they can keep low profile. You are either Muhajjir or Punjabi so why are you taking a risk? You live/work in Dubai and travelling to Pakistan is expensive and risky as it is. Stick to Karachi/Lahore and if you feel adventurous, go check out Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, and the Moenjodaro/Harappa sites in Sindh. I would have encouraged you to visit Western Pakistan provided it was safe over there but currently, visiting Iran would be safer than visiting those areas. Having said all this, I realize I am nobody to stop you so enjoy your trip.

I appreciate your post. Gives me a lot to think about.

[NJamal]

Oh brother come on. You are going to get a real surprise when you visit Peshawar. It is not like people or media make it. No way near the most dangerous place on earth. You can wear whatever you like. Jeans or other western dresses are worn by almost all the new Generation there. Nowadays the security situation had also improved and you can go anywhere in the city.

Just beware of pickpocketing in the crowded markets. And don't cross over to the tribal areas that is a bit dangerous. Though I went there myself recently but because I am a Pathan so no problem for me. Enjoy your trip and keep us updated.

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by NJamal Oh brother come on. You are going to get a real surprise when you visit Peshawar. It is not like people or media make it. No way near the most dangerous place on earth. You can wear whatever you like. Jeans or other western dresses are worn by almost all the new Generation there. Nowadays the security situation had also improved and you can go anywhere in the city. Just beware of pickpocketing in the crowded markets. And don't cross over to the tribal areas that is a bit dangerous. Though I went there myself recently but because I am a Pathan so no problem for me. Enjoy your trip and keep us updated.

This is what I was thinking as well. People are blowing this way out of proportion.

[iZaman]

Ali is making that up.
Pathan people are usually very nice and Peshawar is the capital so you should not really be worried. Actually do not be worried at all..

Peshawar and Quetta aren't a lot of fun although theres a black market in Quetta IIRC and its VERY cheap.. has a lot of quality materials..
Although for scenery you could go visit baltistan area (Hunza, gilgit etc)

[Prince_Pathan]

he will be grand in peshawer, just dont go to the tribal belt, people there are nice too but sometimes not as welcoming because of mistrust

still reckon you should stop disclosing where you are staying lol

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan he will be grand in peshawer, just dont go to the tribal belt, people there are nice too but sometimes not as welcoming because of mistrust still reckon you should stop disclosing where you are staying lol

Took that part out of my post as soon as you mentioned it.

[AFG_Brit]

I have lived in peshawar but that was over 12 years ago. I went to peshawar in 2008 for 3 weeks and i always wore jeans and shirt etc, i had no problem ( even though you do get alot of looks from Men around).I still have friends and relatives who live in peshawar and they say things are not as bad as u see in the media. Just don't try to act rich and big up yourself that you came from Dubai. Just act normal and enjoy your time.

[Looney]

Peshawar and Quetta are cities so they should be fine but make sure you act normal . Do you have any friends or relatives living there ? Maybe let them know or something ? If you will stay at a hotel , give the hotel 's number to your family and call everyday when you are free even if its like for 2 minutes .

[iZaman]

Good advice by Looney. +1

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Looney Peshawar and Quetta are cities so they should be fine but make sure you act normal . Do you have any friends or relatives living there ? Maybe let them know or something ? If you will stay at a hotel , give the hotel 's number to your family and call everyday when you are free even if its like for 2 minutes .

No one from my family/friends lives in either city. I plan to stay as near to the hotel as possible. Good advice regarding the phone calls to the family.

[Looney]

Yeah , just stay in touch with them and dont disclose your personal information to anyone like where you are staying . Ziada angrez banne ki zaroorat bhi nahi . Other than that , there is nothing much else you can do because people DO find out you are " new " or coming back after a long time . Mostly , people will just try to make money if you are not a local .

[Arsh_afridi]

I am from Peshawar and there is nothing to scared of, plan your visit, make sure to eat 'Charsi Tikka', visit internal parts of old city, Go to Saddar bazar, Jawad/City tower, there are some good cafes inton area such a Central perk (The one that is in F.R.I.E.N.D.S.series), celeste etc. Peshawar museum, Islamia college peshawar are also visit worthy places. Best of luck!

[Looney]

Originally Posted by Arsh_afridi I am from Peshawar and there is nothing to scared of, plan your visit, make sure to eat 'Charsi Tikka', visit internal parts of old city, Go to Saddar bazar, Jawad/City tower, there are some good cafes inton area such a Central perk (The one that is in F.R.I.E.N.D.S.series), celeste etc. Peshawar museum, Islamia college peshawar are also visit worthy places. Best of luck!

Charsi Tikka ?

[Down2Earth]

charsi tikka epic. can't believe i didn't try that, definitely will the next time i go

[Muhammad Waleed]

Wow. Best of luck.

[Aampakistani]

Originally Posted by Looney Charsi Tikka ?

charsi tikka namkeen boti from kissa khawani bazaar is awesome... Peshawar there is nothing to be afraid as long as you avoid being near army/us/usaid etc offices. Friends cafe is pretty nice if you want to see a football match.. The women are lovely but most of them are so covered up its a pity..

Quetta I would give it a miss due to the current tension unless you are a baloch or pashtun.. If youre in anyway Punjabi I strongly recommend avoiding it like the plague plus its not that great a city anyway.. In Balochistan its better to visit qabaili areas to experience Baloch culture and hospitality but that can be experienced in border areas of Punjab and Sindh as well

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Aampakistani charsi tikka namkeen boti from kissa khawani bazaar is awesome... Peshawar there is nothing to be afraid as long as you avoid being near army/us/usaid etc offices. Friends cafe is pretty nice if you want to see a football match.. The women are lovely but most of them are so covered up its a pity.. Quetta I would give it a miss due to the current tension unless you are a baloch or pashtun.. If youre in anyway Punjabi I strongly recommend avoiding it like the plague plus its not that great a city anyway.. In Balochistan its better to visit qabaili areas to experience Baloch culture and hospitality but that can be experienced in border areas of Punjab and Sindh as well

I have been told that Peshawar is much more dangerous than Quetta, especially when you only stay within the army cantonment (which has all the hotels, restaurants, locals that one needs to mingle with). I have no plan whatsoever of drifiting to the qabaili areas of either cities unless I want to be "gone baby gone"

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Looney Yeah , just stay in touch with them and dont disclose your personal information to anyone like where you are staying . Ziada angrez banne ki zaroorat bhi nahi . Other than that , there is nothing much else you can do because people DO find out you are " new " or coming back after a long time . Mostly , people will just try to make money if you are not a local .

Speak more urdu...check!

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by AFG_Brit I have lived in peshawar but that was over 12 years ago. I went to peshawar in 2008 for 3 weeks and i always wore jeans and shirt etc, i had no problem ( even though you do get alot of looks from Men around).I still have friends and relatives who live in peshawar and they say things are not as bad as u see in the media. Just don't try to act rich and big up yourself that you came from Dubai. Just act normal and enjoy your time.

LOL what do you want me to do? As you know Dubai is sort of the shopping hub of the middle east, so i can't really help myself if my clothes look "too rich". This is one of the main reasons to why I will buy myself a shalwar kameez before I leave, so that in peshawar & quetta I look "normal" but I highly doubt I will "mix in with the locals".

As for the don't big myself up that I came from Dubai, that I will not do at all & is a very good advice from you.

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Aampakistani charsi tikka namkeen boti from kissa khawani bazaar is awesome... Peshawar there is nothing to be afraid as long as you avoid being near army/us/usaid etc offices. Friends cafe is pretty nice if you want to see a football match.. The women are lovely but most of them are so covered up its a pity.. Quetta I would give it a miss due to the current tension unless you are a baloch or pashtun.. If youre in anyway Punjabi I strongly recommend avoiding it like the plague plus its not that great a city anyway.. In Balochistan its better to visit qabaili areas to experience Baloch culture and hospitality but that can be experienced in border areas of Punjab and Sindh as well

I am punjabi although do get mixed for an iranian by some of the arabs in dubai. People I have spoken to have told me that in Quetta I dont have to worry about the ethnicity issue unlike the rest of Balochistan.

Some have told me to only worry about Quetta if I am anti-establishment

[akheR]

lol, there's on Flickr a well-known photographer who regularly visits Peshawar, and who happens to be Malay, and here peoples are 'discouraging' fellow Muhajirs, Punjabis, ... Pakistanis to not to go, seriously it can't be that bad, right ? Esp. when Peshawar is perhaps the most ethnically heterogeneous Pashtun-dominated city (Hindkowans.)

Perhaps the security situation is tight (even if it does seem over-rated), but ethnicity shouldn't be a matter, lol.

[12cavalry]

There is a place between Peshawar and Nowshera called Taru Jabba. I visit it once or twice every couple of month sometimes even more. If I have time I do travel to Peshawar city, and its not that bad honestly. Maybe because I have lived in KP, but I feel more safe in Peshawar than I do in Karachi.

Anyway, just to be on the safe side follow these simple guidelines

1. Don't travel alone
2. Don't show off your $
3. Don't act like a Dubai wala
4. Friends/relatives should always be aware of your whereabouts
5. Stay away from Bara Bazaar

Have a good trip. You'll be safe inshallah.

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by 12cavalry There is a place between Peshawar and Nowshera called Taru Jabba. I visit it once or twice every couple of month sometimes even more. If I have time I do travel to Peshawar city, and its not that bad honestly. Maybe because I have lived in KP, but I feel more safe in Peshawar than I do in Karachi. Anyway, just to be on the safe side follow these simple guidelines 1. Don't travel alone 2. Don't show off your $ 3. Don't act like a Dubai wala 3. Friends/relatives should always be aware of your whereabouts 4. Stay away from Bara Bazaar Have a good trip. You'll be safe inshallah.

Yea I guess thats the thing. Its probably much easier for you since you have lived in KP.

1. I will be traveling alone
2. Cash? What cash
3. I will try to act as much as possible
4. Not even going close to them

[deviously~fading~away]

Just the news I didn't need to hear


Peshawar ring road blast kills police official, injures four people

[deviously~fading~away]

by the way, what do you all mean when you say "dubai wala"?

[12cavalry]

^ Dubai-return

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by 12cavalry ^ Dubai-return

Obiviously

I meant in a broader extent, what does "dubai wala" signify?

[Looney]

Originally Posted by deviously~fading~away Obiviously I meant in a broader extent, what does "dubai wala" signify?

That you have been making a lot of money in Dubai , good one to kidnap



KPers , what is wrong with Bara Bazar ? Why should it be avoided ?

[tanzeel]

Originally Posted by Looney Charsi Tikka ?

Best Lamb Tikkas under god's blue heaven.

[tanzeel]

Originally Posted by deviously~fading~away I have been told that Peshawar is much more dangerous than Quetta, especially when you only stay within the army cantonment (which has all the hotels, restaurants, locals that one needs to mingle with). I have no plan whatsoever of drifiting to the qabaili areas of either cities unless I want to be "gone baby gone"

You have been told wrong. Peshawar is as safe as any major city in Pakistan. I'm there every weekend(or every alternate weekend at most) and never have I seen or heard of anything untoward happening. It's a huge city with tons of things to do and no one cares if you're wearing western clothes or Pakistani(shorts most probably will attract attention though). Crimes are rare and the worst that can happen is you being swindled out of a large amount of money(a few grands at most) by a confidence trickster but even that is rare if you don't look lost/like an outsider. Quetta is a different story. Its open season on Punjabis there and if you don't look like a Baloch/Pakhtun(around 40/60 percent of Quetta's population, in that order), you're asking for trouble. I haven't personally been to Quetta in 20 years but if news/word of mouth is to be believed, kidnappings and target killings of foreigners and non-Pakhtun/Baloch Pakistanis are very common.

[tanzeel]

Originally Posted by Looney That you have been making a lot of money in Dubai , good one to kidnap KPers , what is wrong with Bara Bazar ? Why should it be avoided ?

Full of shady characters and a major transit hub for most of the hashish(charas) in Pakistan.

[Rizwan25]

Originally Posted by tanzeel You have been told wrong. Peshawar is as safe as any major city in Pakistan. I'm there every weekend(or every alternate weekend at most) and never have I seen or heard of anything untoward happening. It's a huge city with tons of things to do and no one cares if you're wearing western clothes or Pakistani(shorts most probably will attract attention though). Crimes are rare and the worst that can happen is you being swindled out of a large amount of money(a few grands at most) by a confidence trickster but even that is rare if you don't look lost/like an outsider. Quetta is a different story. Its open season on Punjabis there and if you don't look like a Baloch/Pakhtun(around 40/60 percent of Quetta's population, in that order), you're asking for trouble. I haven't personally been to Quetta in 20 years but if news/word of mouth is to be believed, kidnappings and target killings of foreigners and non-Pakhtun/Baloch Pakistanis are very common.

+1

Please take off Quetta from ur list if you have brown complection and don't know anyone there. It's a small city and things are really not that well there. I have relatives living there so Im not telling you this based on masala news from geo.

[Saqs]

Next time I go to Pak, I would love to visit Peshawar.

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Rizwan25 +1 Please take off Quetta from ur list if you have brown complection and don't know anyone there. It's a small city and things are really not that well there. I have relatives living there so Im not telling you this based on masala news from geo.

Complextion wise I am least worried as I have got that covered

I once had an old pathan uncle in a mosque in Dubai ask me if I was a pathan? He was suprised when I told him I was Punjabi.

Numerous people have told me that in Quetta if I am staying within the army cantonement area, I should be least bothered about anything. Most incidents of attacks vs Punjabis/etc happen in deep end areas of Quetta & other parts of Balochistan.

[Looney]

Originally Posted by tanzeel Full of shady characters and a major transit hub for most of the hashish(charas) in Pakistan.

That makes me want to give Peshawar a visit now

[violet_may]

Haven't read the whole thread, because I was intrigued by this charsi tikka post and didn't read the rest of the posts.

Yeh charsi tikka kiya hai? Aur kaise cook karte hain ise?

[Looney]

Baji 'um Tikka Khan ko charas maiN mila kar pakati 'ai

[violet_may]

Baji 'um Tikka Khan ko charas maiN mila kar pakati 'ai

I just read that in the accent you wrote it in, hahaha

[Looney]

Aur yeh Tikka Khan hai

[violet_may]

That's offensive

[Looney]

mind games before the final match

[deviously~fading~away]

Due to the trip, I have been keeping an eye on the news coming from these two cities. Unfortunately every single day people are being killed off while the individuals in charge of security don't give two hoots!

It is sad to know that I belong from a country where even the people of the country don't feel safe traveling to it

As far as I am concerned Pakistan has LOST the war against extremists. The extremists have made sure that no one bothers coming to Pakistan anymore.

[tanzeel]

Off to Peshawar tomorrow to attend my cousin's wedding. Will update on the situation there once I'm back.

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by tanzeel Off to Peshawar tomorrow to attend my cousin's wedding. Will update on the situation there once I'm back.

Please do. Look forward to it. Especially on how feasible it is for (I hate to use this term but) upper-class Pakistanis from Punjab to travel in the city.

[Badsha]

I go Peshawar every alternate weekend.


If there is anything you'd like to know feel free to ask me

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Badsha I go Peshawar every alternate weekend. If there is anything you'd like to know feel free to ask me

How safe is it for a guy who is often mistaken for an Iranian & belongs from the upper-class (again I hate to use this word but will for clarity sake) to travel to Peshawar?

[Prince_Pathan]

you will be grand man

fair skin is adored in them places

theres alot of dari speakers there aswell and nobody has a problem with them. how can somebody look upper or middle class other than his accessories. maybe tone down on the flashy clothing?

[Looney]

I would rather look gharib , you know , chori se bachao ke liye

[Prince_Pathan]

lol looney



DFA


if you want honest answer
when i went there
i was wearing a shemagh, woolen hood, jeans and shades and had a different hairstyle to all of them

nothing happened to me...

it depends on somebodys luck i guess at the end of the day...media propoganda makes it out to be really bad.but it isnt...my fam is there at the moment without me :'(

but never walk around alone. that could be very dangerous

[Badsha]

Originally Posted by deviously~fading~away How safe is it for a guy who is often mistaken for an Iranian & belongs from the upper-class (again I hate to use this word but will for clarity sake) to travel to Peshawar?

Like prince Pathan said


If you look like you belong from Afghanistan/Iran/NWFP you'll be alright. I mean even if you don't look like that, you'll still be alright but if you do, you're just fine

I'd suggest you wear Shalwaar Kameez. It's not "odd" to wear Jeans ect but I think you yourself would be more comfortable in Shalwaar Kameez.


A lot of the main areas are generally safe. Some of the places get pretty shady after Maghrib so I'd suggest not to go out to sitara market (which you must visit in the morning) or karkhana in hayatabad after sunset.


Get a room in a guest house in University town. I think that place is quite accessible and for a location to stay in it's pretty good.


Must eat Uzbeki Naan
Must eat charsi Tikka
Must visit the bazaars at hayatabad
Must resist your urge to become an adventurer and not travel towards torkham ect!


and I'd suggest you take a pathan with you. Not because of safety issues but he'll show you around the cool places.

Have fun.

[Looney]

^ Karachi se Shahid Afridi le jao

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Badsha Like prince Pathan said If you look like you belong from Afghanistan/Iran/NWFP you'll be alright. I mean even if you don't look like that, you'll still be alright but if you do, you're just fine I'd suggest you wear Shalwaar Kameez. It's not "odd" to wear Jeans ect but I think you yourself would be more comfortable in Shalwaar Kameez. A lot of the main areas are generally safe. Some of the places get pretty shady after Maghrib so I'd suggest not to go out to sitara market (which you must visit in the morning) or karkhana in hayatabad after sunset. Get a room in a guest house in University town. I think that place is quite accessible and for a location to stay in it's pretty good. Must eat Uzbeki Naan Must eat charsi Tikka Must visit the bazaars at hayatabad Must resist your urge to become an adventurer and not travel towards torkham ect! and I'd suggest you take a pathan with you. Not because of safety issues but he'll show you around the cool places. Have fun.

Thanks! Very helpful post

[Prince_Pathan]

karkhana is awesome man

i buy all my saplay and pakols from there lol

[speed]

what is charsi tikka i am a pukhtoon but never heard of it

[Prince_Pathan]

ma um naday aoredalay lol

[Badsha]

Charsi tikka is seriously the worlds best meat I've had.


It's near "shoba". Go and eat it.

[Gabbar Singh]

Originally Posted by deviously~fading~away Due to the trip, I have been keeping an eye on the news coming from these two cities. Unfortunately every single day people are being killed off while the individuals in charge of security don't give two hoots! It is sad to know that I belong from a country where even the people of the country don't feel safe traveling to it As far as I am concerned Pakistan has LOST the war against extremists. The extremists have made sure that no one bothers coming to Pakistan anymore.

Isn't this a bit melodramatic?

How many foreign visitors actually die in Pakistani each year?

How many foreigners are harmed or kidnapped in the busy areas of Peshawar?

The numbers must be tiny in the grand scheme of things.

The extremists only win if you allow them to.