ince October last year, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Archeology and Museums, in collaboration with private tour operators Tour Da Peshawar, has managed to attract both foreign and domestic tourists in large numbers.

Dr Abdus Samad, the acheology and museum director, tells The News on Sunday that the number of visitors has been rising.

“The number of foreign tourists since October last year has reached 12,000. The number of local visitors has also increased significantly. Our efforts to facilitate and guide tourists have started yielding results,” says Dr Samad.

A colourful event was organised recently in Peshawar to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Night Trip of Peshawar Heritage Sites initiative under the joint auspices of the directorate and Tour Da Peshawar. The initiative, a step towards promoting heritage tourism in the province, was aimed at promoting cultural harmony, co-existence and tourism.

“It is heartening that both foreign and local visitors have turned up in droves to explore sights and sounds in and around the Walled City. While exploring the city, they also sampled the traditional cuisines, beverages, attire and footwear,” says Samad.

Tour Da Peshawar is a private business launched in 2017 with the goal of promoting tourism. Shahid Ali Khan, chief coordinator of Tour Da Peshawar, says that seven years ago, he and his colleagues had launched the weekly night trip of the Walled City on board an old Bradford bus painted with truck art.

“The tour included guided visit to local heritage sites and exposure to cuisines, art, culture and history. The city has long been a hub of storytellers, traders, musicians and artists. Gradually, the number of visitors rose. Some foreign tourists too showed interest in the trip,” he tells TNS.

The heritage sites visited were Qissakhwani Bazaar, Sethi House museum, Gor Khatri museum, and the Peshawar Museum.

“Since the last October, the number of foreign tourist has increased to 12,000. The number of local visitors has also increased significantly.”

Activists, students, families and tour operators who attended the anniversary celebrations said that there was a need for the provision of better amenities and security to visitors, especially foreign visitors.

Aishama Khan, a student at a local college, said that initiatives such as the night tour of the city not only helped tourists explore the historic Walled City but also helped local artisans and craftsmen by bringing them business. “It is win-win situation, in my opinion,” said Khan. “I and my classmates from Islamia College University were part of the recent celebrations of the Tour da Peshawar. We enjoyed traditional foods and sightseeing,” she added.

Ammar bin Tariq, a private tour guide, said that the initiative was a welcome step towards promoting tourism. “Foreign tourists were very happy with the night tour. They are always keen on finding out more about the city’s culture and its values,” he said.

Laura, a tourist from Italy who recently visited the Walled City said, “Walking in the streets of Peshawar was like walking down the lane of history. Very enjoyable. The peace loving residents of the city left an inedible mark on my mind.”

It is hoped that the night tours will be extended to other districts as well. “We are engaging local tour operators and making sure they have security and access to key heritage sites across the province,” a directorate official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to media.

The writer is a Peshawar-based journalist. He mostly writes on art, culture, education, youth and minorities. His X handle: @Shinwar-9