University Town: The Educational Heartbeat of Peshawar

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [haan]
• Noنہیں
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [barah e karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعذرت چاہتا ہوں
  [maazrat chahta hoon]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ اور آپ؟
  [theek hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap angrezi boltay hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [mujhe samajh nahi aya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبرائے مہربانی مینو دیکھنا چاہوں
  [baray meharbani menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [main gosht nahi khata]
• Cheers!خوش رہو!
  [khush raho!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبرائے مہربانی ادائیگی کرنی ہے
  [baray meharbani adaiigi karni hai]

• Help!مدد کرو!
  [madad karo!]
• Go away!چلے جاؤ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہو گیا ہوں
  [main gum ho gaya hoon]
• I'm illمجھے بیماری ہو گئی ہے
  [mujhe bimari ho gayi hai]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [main khareedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنے کا ہے؟
  [yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [yeh bohat mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap qeemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [aik bajay hain]
• Half past (10)دس بج کر آڑھا ہے
  [das baj kar aadha hai]
• Morningصبح
  [subh]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [dopahar]
• Eveningشام
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayکل
  [kal]
• Todayآج
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [kal]
• 1ایک
  [aik]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3تین
  [teen]
• 4چار
  [chaar]
• 5پانچ
  [paanch]
• 6چھے
  [chhe]
• 7سات
  [saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [aath]
• 9نو
  [no]
• 10دس
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...؟
  [kahan hai...?]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں (نقشہ پر)؟
  [kya aap mujhe dikhla sakte hain (naqsha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلا (بس) کب ہے؟
  [agla (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (.... کے لیے)
  [aik ticket (.... ke liye)]

University Town, established in the 1960s, was developed as a residential area for the faculty and students of the University of Peshawar. The neighborhood was designed to accommodate the growing educational needs of the region, reflecting Peshawar's role as an academic hub in Pakistan. Its planning emphasized green spaces and modern amenities, setting it apart from older parts of the city.

The University of Peshawar, founded in 1950, played a pivotal role in shaping University Town's identity. As the first university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it became a center for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange. The university's diverse curricula and vibrant student life attracted individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a multicultural atmosphere within the neighborhood.

In the 1970s and 1980s, University Town became a focal point for political activism and student movements in Pakistan. Students from the university were actively involved in various political causes, influenced by the socio-political climate of the time. This engagement brought national attention to the issues faced by youth in Peshawar and contributed to the region’s broader political narrative.

The Afghan refugee crisis in the 1980s significantly impacted University Town, as Peshawar became a refuge for millions fleeing conflict. This influx led to a cultural blending, with various Afghan traditions and customs being integrated into the local community. The neighborhood witnessed a surge in cultural diversity, which is still evident in its markets, culinary offerings, and social fabric.

In recent years, University Town has seen rapid development, with new residential projects and commercial establishments emerging. However, it faces challenges such as urbanization pressures and infrastructural strain. Efforts are underway to maintain the area's character while accommodating growth, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Peshawar's urban landscape.

University Town is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Peshawar. If you are coming from the city center, you can take a local taxi or rickshaw, which is a popular mode of transport. Alternatively, public buses operate routes connecting University Town to other areas like Saddar and Hayatabad. For those arriving from the airport, a taxi is the most convenient option, taking approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.

University Town is best explored on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance. Local rickshaws and taxis are readily available for longer distances. Public transport, such as buses, is less frequent in this area, but there are private vans that operate between key points. Bicycles can also be rented for a more leisurely exploration of the neighborhood.

University Town is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Areas near the University of Peshawar can be crowded, so keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it’s advisable to stay alert and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 15 for police assistance, and 1122 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals and clinics are equipped to handle various situations. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout University Town for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; long sleeves and trousers are recommended. Don't wear revealing clothing, as it may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs; always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Don't engage in public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a polite 'As-Salaam-Alaikum.' Don't use overly casual language or gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at restaurants. Don't refuse food offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience University Town like a local, visit the local tea houses where you can enjoy chai and engage in conversation with residents. Check out the street food vendors for authentic snacks. Attend cultural events at the University of Peshawar if you can, as they often host exhibitions and festivals. For a unique experience, take a stroll in the nearby parks where locals gather for leisure activities.