- Researched by Atefa Shah More than two decades of conflict has reduced Afghanistan to rubble. Millions have lost their lives, thousands of robust souls have fallen victim to landmines and millions have migrated from their homes, carrying with them traditions, habits and problems typical to the Afghan culture. The influx of refugees in Peshawar has not only affected the economy; it has introduced it to a culture that has its origins in Afghanistan's urban centers like Kabul. The Afghan impact on public transport, shops, signboards, music, dresses, hotels, food and wedding ceremonies will prove the point. About 500 Mercedes Benz vans zoom between the General Bus Stand and Hayatabad Township in Peshawar. Mostly driven by Afghan drivers, they are spacious and clean from inside, besides being a convenient mode of transport. The windows are covered with curtains and the two sunroofs allow sufficient fresh air in. Afghan refugees introduced these vans to Peshawar in the 1980s. They initially worked on temporary route permits but later the owners were allowed to get their vehicles registered after the payment of customs duty to the government. The refugees also brought with them their eating habits and Afghan delicacies. As a result, and tapping some good business prospects, Afghan eateries mushroomed around the main markets and bazaars, particularly on the University Road -- giving the local restaurants tough competition. Food lovers at any of these joints are served Afghani pulao, mantoo, tikkas, kebab and chicken karahi at affordable prices. In the true Afghan style, some of the restaurants have seating arrangement on the floor. Baking a perfect bread loaf is an art that the Afghan bakers excel in. From the conventional tandoor to a smaller modern-day oven, from small dough balls to those as big and heavy as half a kilogram, they work on them with absolute ease to prepare the most sumptuous variety of bread, and serving it fresh. In view of continued turmoil and the Taliban ban on music in Afghanistan, a large number of artists have migrated to Peshawar. Most of them have set up their studios and offices at Tehkal on University Road, in Dabgari Bazaar, Kabari Bazaar and the Board area. Some of the Pushto singers and instrumentalists have earned more fame than many local artists. Quite a few of them had a following among the Pukhtoons even before their migration. These renowned Afghan singers who came to Peshawar include Shah Wali, who has been in Canada for five years now, his sons Zar Wali and Baryalei Wali, Rahim Ghamzada, Tila Muhammad, Ayub Ustad, Nematullah, and Ustad Ihsan. These artists and their orchestra have overshadowed the local musicians. Though some of them like Naghma, Mengal and Shah Wali are living a comfortable life due to their high demand, the majority is faced with hard times. Well-off Afghans, particularly from the urban areas, celebrate weddings with splendor in Peshawar. Traditional ceremonies are held in banquet halls such as Saloon Uroosi Afghani, and booking one in peak season is close to impossible. Rows of vehicles are parked outside these halls at night and most wedding feasts are followed by musical performance by Afghan artists. The markets of Peshawar are flooded with Afghan crafts in leather. The products include fine quality leather jackets, wallets, handbags, folders, briefcases and footwear. Also available are fine quality carpets woven inside their houses. Manufactured footwear is sold at low-priced shops in various areas of the city. Such footwear is popular among the middle-class, as they are affordable and durable. The Afghans in Peshawar publish three daily Pushto language newspapers: Wahdat, Sahar, Pukhtoon and Heela in addition to a few magazines. Individuals, parties and NGOs print these for commercial as well as promotional purposes. Whatever the reason, these refugees have improved the standard of Pushto periodicals, newspapers and books and have effected an increase in their circulation. That is why these papers and journals are visible at most stalls and bookshops. The presence of a large number of refugees affects the daily life of the locals as they exhaust the meager government facilities meant for the people. Hospitals are crowded with Afghan refugees; house rent has gone up and educational institutions are under pressure. Local businessmen are resentful of their Afghan counterparts who, they believe have exposed them to tough competition without paying any taxes. There is also pressure on the job market. Obviously, the ultimate victims of this situation are the local people and the economy, which has been under stress for so long. |
