German envoy tries out Namak Mandi karahi, gets haircut in Peshawar

Kobler live tweets the whole experience and posts pictures with local people he meets around the city

PESHAWAR: There was a time when diplomats were not allowed to venture outside of the Red Zone in the federal capital. Confined to a tiny portion of the city, governments had difficulty persuading their staff to accept a posting to Islamabad.

That was years ago. Pakistan is different today. Militant hideouts have been neutralised, and the country has seen a significant drop in terrorist activity. For so long at the front line of the war against terror, both for national and international security forces, Peshawar is coming back to life once again.

German Ambassador Martin Kobler’s visit to Peshawar has highlighted and emphasised the city's cultural importance to Pakistan. It also signals that the restoration of peace in the provincial capital is not a pipe dream anymore, but a reality.



It is easy to recall a time when even the citizens of Peshawar did not feel safe and had to flee the city in order to protect their families from harm. However, recent gains against militants by law enforcement agencies have started to pay dividend, and it shows in the way life has returned to the city.

Martin Kobler took a stroll through the numerous traditional walkways running in the bazaars of Peshawar, some of which have seen much bloodshed and carnage over the years. Without any protocol or security, the ambassador also stopped by many sites of significance in the city that has seen a millennia of history. He showed particular interested in its famous Gandhara heritage.

Live tweeting the whole experience, he posted candid pictures of himself with local people as he went around the city.

According to Peshawar SSP Sajjad Khan, Kobler visited the famed Namak Mandi area and treated himself to a a generous helping of the local favorite mutton karahi. He also visited a neighbourhood barber for a quick trim, before going on to visit a local radio channel.

had a wonderful BBQ in #peshawar. I'm really enjoying the tasty #pakistani food! pic.twitter.com/twt3BPFxyz

— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) September 13, 2017

went for a stroll round the wonderful old town of #peshawar. saw a barber in one of the streets and got my hair cut by a talented young guy. pic.twitter.com/uNFasiaosW

— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) September 12, 2017

A meeting with tribal elders from surrounding areas had also been arranged, and the ambassador sat and listened to their problems, promising to do whatever he could to help them. Wrapping up the visit, Kobler stopped by a local dry fruit shop to take back some treats for friends and family in Islamabad.

meeting with #FATA tribal leaders in peshawar. great to see their sense of responsibility for their communities. We continue our support. pic.twitter.com/BJhTse5my8

— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) September 13, 2017

 

Talking to The Express Tribune after Kobler's visit, SSP Sajjad Khan said that it proves peace and tranquility in the region had been restored.

“The hideouts of militants have been destroyed,” Khan proudly added.

Martin Kobler also met KP Chief Minster Pervez Khattak and appreciated his visionary leadership.

glad to meet kpk chief minister Pervez Khan Khatrak. Impressed by his vision for #kpk pic.twitter.com/Y8mXsHXHhJ

— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) September 13, 2017