Guide
About Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the province's main commercial city. It sits near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass, and for centuries its bazaars have handled trade between the Indus plains and Afghanistan and Central Asia.
That position still defines the city's business life. Much of its trade is linked to the Torkham border crossing, and wholesalers in Peshawar supply goods to markets across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the merged tribal districts.
Economy and main industries
Trade is the backbone of Peshawar's economy: wholesale distribution, import and transit trade with Afghanistan, and retail serving a large surrounding population. Dry fruit, textiles, electronics, household goods and food items pass through the city's markets.
Manufacturing is concentrated in Hayatabad Industrial Estate, which includes pharmaceutical manufacturers among other light industries. The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pressed for the estate to be designated as a park for active pharmaceutical ingredients. The provincial government, universities, hospitals and the cantonment are also significant employers, supporting services such as construction, transport and hospitality.
Main business areas and markets
The walled old city, Andar Shehr, holds Peshawar's historic bazaars. Qissa Khwani Bazaar, the "storytellers' bazaar", is the best-known, named for the storytellers who once recited tales there. Namak Mandi is famous for its food streets, especially chapli kebab, and is also associated with the dry fruit and spice trade. Chowk Yadgar, Ghanta Ghar and Khyber Bazaar are other central trading points.
On the western side of the city, Karkhano Market, near Hayatabad, is regarded as one of Peshawar's largest business hubs. It is known for imported goods, clothing, hardware and electronics at low prices.
Saddar and the cantonment hold banks, offices and mainstream retail, while the planned residential areas of University Town and Hayatabad have many private clinics, schools and offices. Main roads such as Ring Road, GT Road, Charsadda Road and Kohat Road link the city's markets with the surrounding districts.
Trade with Afghanistan
Torkham is one of Pakistan's two main road crossings into Afghanistan, alongside Chaman in Balochistan. A terminal designed to operate around the clock opened at Torkham in 2019, with the aim of making Peshawar a regional hub for business. Traders in the city deal in transit and bilateral goods, and clearing agents, transporters and warehousing firms make up a significant part of the local business community.
The crossing has been closed several times in recent years because of disputes and security concerns, and these closures affect prices and business in Peshawar's markets. Firms that depend on cross-border trade usually work with local agents who track the crossing's status.
Finding businesses in Peshawar
People searching in Peshawar commonly look for wholesale traders, dry fruit dealers, clearing and transport companies, pharmaceutical distributors, hospitals and clinics, and restaurants in the old city. Searching by market is useful: Karkhano for imported goods, Qissa Khwani and Andar Shehr for traditional trade, Hayatabad and University Town for services. PakistanYP lists Peshawar businesses by area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Peshawar?
Peshawar landlines use 091. From abroad, dial +92 91 and then the number.
Which chamber represents businesses in Peshawar?
The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1958, represents traders and industrialists in Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What is Karkhano Market known for?
Karkhano Market, on the western side of Peshawar near Hayatabad, is known for imported goods, clothing, electronics and hardware. It is one of the city's largest trading areas.
Which airport serves Peshawar?
Bacha Khan International Airport serves Peshawar with domestic and international flights.