PESHAWAR: A foreign tourist, Michael Johnson, has termed people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa peace loving, hospitable and opened-minded.

After a recent trip to different parts of the provincial metropolis, he shared his views with a group of local rights activists, saying that close interaction with Peshawarites shattered the image portrayed in the media as he witnessed the real situation on ground.

The London-based Australian tourist said he was happy to experience the sights and sounds of the city of which he had a terrible image.

He said that close interaction with locals including rights activists, educationists and artists helped him explore the real image of the people craving for peace, hospitality and a pluralistic approach towards life.

Michael Johnson says visit to Peshawar changed his perception about the city

“Life is abuzz with a broad perspective laden with welcoming passion towards guests and tourists. It really made me wonderstruck as it was exactly opposite to the image being portrayed in the international. Amid all whims and fears, I was determined to visit Peshawar city, its dwellers and witness its real face. Not only I saw it I also enjoyed it while interacting with this beautiful face,” said Johnson.

He said that all cafés and restaurants in the city remained close owing to fasting month but locals opened their hearts and offered him a luncheon, showcasing their traditional hospitality and due regard for guests.

“It reminded me of a quote by Gandhi Ji, who had travelled to Parachinar tribal district in pre-partition India during the fasting month and local people still presented traditional luncheon to their honourable guest. I saw here girls are going to schools, even transgender community is given respect while Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities are living together in the same city,” said the tourist.

Mr Johnson also visited the office of Mafkoora, a local organisation, and met its chief executive Hayat Roghani and other workers. “I did not expect a place like this in Peshawar where young volunteers work for promotion of peace and cultural diversity. I was really surprised,” he said.

Prof Samiuddin Arman, executive member of Mafkoora, also gifted a fresh monthly edition of a Pashto magazine for children ‘Rana Barn’ and a copy of Bacha Khan’s profile to the guest. Later, he was given a trip to different parts of Mafkoora, city’s heritage sites and bazaars.

“My visit would remain alive in my memories for long as it helped me to explore the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their hospitality drenched in respect, love and passion for diversity,” said Mr Johnson.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2024