This paper traces the spatial growth of Peshawar, one of the major cities of Pakistan. Data and information for the study were collected from historic maps, documents and satellite images. The analysis shows that the city has been growing at a rapid pace adding about 500 ha of land annually in recent years and in the absence of planning control has seen tremendous urban sprawl. The pattern of development of urban sprawl in Peshawar is typical of most Pakistani major cities, where ribbon sprawl is common along major roads, while leapfrog sprawl is prevalent in the city’s fringes. The uncontrolled expansion in the built up area is typically consuming rich agricultural land and pose a threat to food security. The study highlighting the causes of urban sprawl, discusses some of the strategic and policy options that are available to control their proliferation for sustainable development of the city in future.