Pakistani comedian Alamzeb Mujahid, also known as Janaan, announced his retirement from showbiz after being released by Islamist militants who kidnapped him in Peshawar city. While Mujahid did not provide details about the kidnapping or his decision to leave the stage, his friends and colleagues believe he was targeted by Islamist vigilantes aiming to enforce Taliban-style values in the North West Frontier Province. The 38-year-old actor, known for his work in theater and television, has started growing a beard as he moves on from comedy. Mujahid, hesitant to discuss his life-changing experience, informed Reuters that he was joining Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary group, to spread the teachings of religion. He expressed his belief that God had provided for him in the past and would continue to do so. Fortunately, Mujahid was able to start afresh, unlike others who had faced harsh consequences from militant morality squads. One such tragic incident occurred in January in Swat, a valley located about 130 km north of Islamabad, where a female dancer named Shabana was brutally shot in public by militants. Gunmen attempted to assassinate Pashtun singer Sardar Yousafzai in Dir district as he was returning home from performing at a wedding party in December. Although he managed to escape, his harmonium player, Anwar Gul, was killed and four others were injured in the attack. The atmosphere for those involved in the entertainment industry in the region became hostile after Islamist parties gained power in NWFP, fueled by anti-American sentiment following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001. These disapproving Islamist parties imposed bans on music on public transportation and removed movie posters featuring women, while militants took even more extreme measures. Initially, music stores in tribal areas like Waziristan were destroyed, and then the attacks spread throughout the northwest as the influence of Islamist groups extended towards urban areas. In June of last year, armed Taliban fighters drove around Peshawar, the capital of the province, in trucks, threatening music store owners to shut down or face consequences. This incident caused alarm across Pakistan shortly after a civilian government took office, prompting security forces to take action. Since then, more tribal regions and districts in the NWFP have become hubs for militants. The army has launched operations in areas like Bajaur and Mohmand to combat the threat. In certain areas, progress is being made while in others, insecurity is becoming more severe. Peshawar is a prime example of this trend. The defeat of Islamist parties in NWFP after an election a year ago brought optimism that the region would once again be a safe place for cultural activities. However, the secular Pashtun party currently in power has been unable to fulfill these hopes despite having good intentions. Syed Aqil Shah, who is the provincial minister for sports and culture, emphasized the importance of everyone uniting against militants. He believes it is not solely the government's responsibility to address this issue, but rather the entire population and civil society must come together to combat these threats. However, many individuals are opting to leave the country to avoid risking their lives, with some singers and musicians already having fled abroad and others planning to do the same. "I am afraid to leave my house. Whenever I do go out, my wife constantly calls to make sure I am safe," expressed a singer who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from militants. "We are extremely fearful, which is why I am considering moving abroad." Some people have opted for safer ways to provide for their families. A musician, who now sells fruit and vegetables for a living, stated that most of the music is no longer alive. Next to him, his harmonium sat unused and covered in dust.