Peshawar losing vibrant heritage: yet another cinema, 'Naaz,' demolished

By: Sajid Takar

PESHAWAR: The city of flowers, Peshawar, is losing its vibrant heritage as another beloved landmark, the Naaz Cinema, has recently been demolished, erasing the cherished memories of the Pakhtun community connected to their cinematic experiences.

Naaz Cinema was the first 3D cinema in Peshawar, established in 1936. It was upgraded to 3D technology in 2020, but like many businesses, it suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2021, the cinema reopened and began screening high-quality Hollywood films and local Pashto movies, which garnered significant interest and drew audiences.

Last year, Naaz Cinema showcased the first high-definition (HD) Pashto film, “Ishq Mubarak,” which was well-received by movie lovers. Unfortunately, it was recently razed by its owners, shattering the memories of film enthusiasts from the Pakhtun region.

Naeem Ahmad, the former manager of Naaz Cinema, stated that the cinema faced heavy losses due to high taxes and electricity bills, ultimately leading to its closure. Movie lovers recall that the cinema enjoyed a golden era, especially when it first screened the popular Pashto film “Orbal” in the early 1970s.

Zakir Shah, a Peshawar resident, noted that the high cost of tickets was a major factor in the decline of the cinema business, as many people could not afford the expensive prices. He added, “The quality of movies has also significantly deteriorated in recent years.”

He reminisced about a time when Peshawar had around 20 cinemas, but due to various challenges, that number has dwindled significantly. Today, only a few cinemas remain, including Arshad Cinema, Shama, Aieena, Sabreena, and Picture House.

In recognition of its rich cinematic history, a road was named “Cinema Road” in Peshawar, located near the historical Qissa Khwani Bazaar on the outskirts of Khyber Bazaar. However, popular cinemas such as Shabistan, Novelty, Ishrat, and Metro have all disappeared, replaced by high-rise buildings.

The residents of Peshawar are increasingly concerned about the ongoing demolition of cinemas in the area, fearing that there may soon be no cinemas left in the city.