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 reasons for quitting, friends and colleagues believe he was targeted by Islamist vigilantes aiming to enforce Taliban-like 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. Reluctant to discuss his life-changing experience, Mujahid informed Reuters that he was joining Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary group, in order to preach religion. He stated solemnly, "God has provided for me in the past and will continue to do so." Mujahid was fortunate, as others who have offended militant morality groups have not been as lucky. In January, a female dancer named Shabana was forcibly taken to the street and shot in the heart of Mingora, a town in Swat, a valley located around 130 km (80 miles) north of 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 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 individuals 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 parties prohibited music on public transportation and removed movie posters featuring women, while militants took more extreme actions. In the beginning, music stores in tribal areas like Waziristan were destroyed, leading to attacks spreading throughout the northwest as the influence of Islamists expanded towards cities and towns. In June, armed Taliban fighters moved through Peshawar, the provincial capital, in trucks, warning music store owners to shut down or face consequences. This caused concern in Pakistan, as it occurred shortly after a civilian government took power, prompting security forces to take action. Since then, more tribal regions and districts in the NWFP have become bases for militants, leading the army to conduct operations in areas like Bajaur and Mohmand. While progress is being made in certain areas, insecurity is worsening in others, including Peshawar. The defeat of Islamist parties in NWFP after an election raised hopes for a safer environment, but the secular Pashtun party leading the provincial government has been unable to fulfill these hopes despite their good intentions. Syed Aqil Shah, who serves as the provincial minister for sports and culture, emphasized the importance of all individuals uniting against militants. He stressed that it is not solely the government's responsibility to address these threats, but rather the entire population and civil society must also take action. Many individuals, including singers and musicians, have already left the country due to fear of violence, with more planning to do the same. "I am fearful of leaving my house. Even if I do go out, my wife constantly calls to make sure I am safe," shared a singer who preferred to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation from militants. "We are extremely anxious, which is why I am considering moving abroad." Some individuals have opted for safer means of providing for their families. A musician, who now sells fruit and vegetables for a living, stated that ninety percent of music is no longer thriving. Next to him, his harmonium sat unused and covered in dust.