The first question that pops in to the head when one hears the word Peshawar 2.0 is “What really is Peshawar 2.0?”. Let me try to answer this question and explain the motivation behind it and what we want to achieve through this mission.

What really is Peshawar 2.0?

Peshawar, a city once famous for its culture, music, art and trade, is now known for more negative reasons. One of the main driving forces here is to break these pre-conceived notions and challenge the narrative about Peshawar, the region, and its people altogether. And bring into light all the true aspirations, the creative energy and the hidden talent out there in our beloved city.

The million-dollar question here is how do we do this? In a nutshell, by creating and building our own entrepreneurial eco-system. We aim to uncover, develop and facilitate the next generation of entrepreneurs who can then take on all the challenges (read opportunities) we face (from health and education to waste management and traffic control) and develop innovative solutions to all these problems.

This can happen in two ways. Firstly, by grooming the brilliant minds we already have (who just need a bit of guidance and direction) and then connecting them with the best mentors and potential investors – making them role models for the rest to follow. Secondly by educating more and more University students, especially engineering, medicine and business students, to give the idea of “working for yourself and “being your boss” a bit of a thought. Rather than being job seekers, making them aspire to be job creators.

We want the world out there to know that Peshawar is not about bomb blasts and drones as the news would like to portray, but with its huge pool of talent, it is one of the future economic and innovation hubs of the country, which extends its hospitality to innovators, entrepreneurs, designers and artists from around the world.

Peshawar 2.0 is our dream city. A city of technology, design and art.

A dream today, a reality tomorrow – InshAllah.

Do you share the same passion for Peshawar? Get in touch to learn how you can be a part of the initiative. Get involved today!