Pakistani comedian Alamzeb Mujahid, known as Janaan, announced his retirement from showbiz at a news conference after being released by Islamist militants who kidnapped him in Peshawar city. His friends and colleagues believe he was kidnapped by Islamist vigilantes in an effort to impose Taliban-style values in NWFP. Despite not providing details on the kidnapping or reasons for quitting, the 38-year-old actor, who has starred in numerous theater and television plays, has started growing a beard for his new life after comedy. Reluctant to discuss his life-changing experience, Mujahid revealed to Reuters that he had joined Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary group, to spread religious teachings. He solemnly stated, "God has provided for me in the past and will continue to do so." Mujahid considered himself fortunate, as others who had run afoul of militant morality squads were not as lucky. In a horrific 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 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 environment for those involved in the entertainment industry in the region became hostile after Islamist parties gained power in NWFP, fueled by anti-American sentiments following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. These disapproving parties prohibited music on public transportation and removed movie posters featuring women, while militants took even more extreme measures. Initially, music stores in tribal regions like Waziristan were bombed, and the attacks then expanded to other areas in the northwest as the influence of Islamist groups grew, moving closer to urban centers. In June, armed Taliban fighters moved through Peshawar, the capital of the province, in trucks, threatening music store owners to shut down their businesses or face consequences. This event caused alarm in Pakistan shortly after a civilian government took office, leading to security forces being instructed to take action. Since then, more tribal areas and districts in the NWFP have become hubs for militants. The military has carried out operations in regions like Bajaur and Mohmand. Although progress is being seen in certain areas, insecurity is escalating in others, including Peshawar. The defeat of Islamist parties in NWFP after an election last year brought optimism that the region would once again be a safe place for cultural activities. However, the secular Pashtun party currently in power has not been able to fulfill this promise, despite their good intentions. Syed Aqil Shah, who serves as the provincial minister for sports and culture, emphasized the importance of everyone taking a stand against militants. He stated that it is a misconception to believe that only the government is capable of addressing this issue, and that the entire population and civil society must also play a role in combating these threats. However, many individuals are fearful of the potential consequences, with numerous singers and musicians already fleeing the country and others making plans to do so in the future. "I am afraid to leave my house. Even when I do go out, my wife constantly calls to make sure I am safe," stated a singer who preferred to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation from militants. "We are extremely fearful, which is why I am considering moving abroad." Some individuals have chosen alternative methods to make a living and support their families in a safer manner. A musician, who now makes a living by selling fruits and vegetables, lamented that ninety percent of the music industry is no longer thriving. His harmonium sat beside him, covered in dust.