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. Mujahid did not provide details about the kidnapping or his reasons for leaving the stage during a news conference. However, friends and colleagues believe he was targeted by Islamist vigilantes trying to impose Taliban-style values in the North West Frontier Province. Despite being a veteran actor in theater and television, the 38-year-old is now growing a beard for his future outside of comedy. Reluctant to discuss his life-changing event, Mujahid informed Reuters that he was joining Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary group, to spread religious teachings. "God has provided for me in the past and will continue to do so," he stated solemnly. Mujahid was fortunate, as others who have crossed militant moral codes were not as lucky. In a disturbing incident in January, a female dancer named Shabana was forcibly taken onto the street and shot in the heart of Mingora, a town in Swat, a valley located about 130 km (80 miles) north of the capital Islamabad, where militants hold significant power. Gunmen attempted to assassinate Pashtun singer Sardar Yousafzai in Dir district as he was returning home from performing at a wedding in December. Yousafzai managed to escape, but his harmonium player, Anwar Gul, was killed and four other individuals were injured in the attack. The atmosphere for those involved in the entertainment industry in the area became hostile after Islamist parties gained power in NWFP due to anti-American sentiments following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001. Islamist parties disapproved of music on public transport and removed movie posters featuring women, while militants took more extreme actions. Initially, music stores in tribal areas like Waziristan were destroyed, and then the attacks extended to other parts of the northwest as Islamist influence spread towards urban areas. In June of last year, armed Taliban fighters moved through Peshawar, the capital of the province, in trucks, threatening music store owners to shut down or face consequences. This event caused alarm throughout Pakistan, just three months after a civilian government took office, leading security forces to take action. Since then, more tribal regions and districts in the NWFP have become targets for militants. The army has carried out military operations in tribal areas like Bajaur and Mohmand. Although progress is being made in certain areas, insecurity is increasing in others, including Peshawar. The defeat of Islamist parties in NWFP after an election last year gave hope that the region would once again become a safe place for cultural activities. However, the secular Pashtun party currently in power has not been able to fulfill this promise, despite having good intentions. Syed Aqil Shah, who serves as the provincial minister for sports and culture, emphasized the importance of collectively opposing militants. He stated that it is incorrect to rely solely on the government to address this issue, and emphasized the need for the entire population and civil society to take a stand against these threats. However, the fear of becoming a target has led several singers and musicians to flee the country, with others considering doing the same. One singer expressed fear of leaving their home, stating that even when they go out, their wife constantly calls to check on them. They are so scared that they are considering moving abroad. Some individuals have decided to find safer ways to support their families financially. A musician, who now sells fruit and vegetables for a living, lamented that ninety percent of the music industry has died. Next to him, his harmonium sat covered in dust.