A sense of insecurity prevails in the city that was once known as the city of flowers due to growing number of suicide bombings that have killed several policemen and innocent citizens and attacks on CD and video shops, internet cafes and snooker clubs.A sense of siege and insecurity heightens, as the Islamic insurgency creeps into the city, which is one of the most important cities of the country, from the adjacent tribal agencies. The streets and bazaars of Peshawar have borne the brunt of the countryÂ’s war with Islamic militants.
The militants have found safe heavens in the city outskirts, from where they strike at the military and the police, order schoolgirls to wear the veil and plan bomb attacks on CD and video centres. Suicide bombings, bomb explosions and missile attacks have become a routine business in the city. While occasional grenade attacks and explosions were not uncommon since 2006, there was no incident of suicide bombing or rocket attack inside the city.
Mohammad Yaqoob, who is an MBA student at the university of Peshawar, told Daily Times, “We, Sunnis and Shiits, used to spend our nights in Peshawar streets while gossiping and enjoying Qahwa (green tea). The spate of suicide bombings since 2006 has not only disturbed people psychologically, it has also fanned sectarian violence between the Shiits and Sunnis.”
Mohammad Esa Khan, who is a resident of Mahala Jangi in Jahangir Pura, where a suicide bomber detonated himself at Imambargah, killing 12 people and injuring 25, said that few years ago Sunnis used to offer juices and water to Shiits on 9th and 10th of Muharram. He said, “When I am out of my home in the city, I consider myself in danger. Anyone can become victim of the suicide attacks.” Mehrun Nisa, a school teacher, said that she and her friends were now afraid to go out to bazaars.