Banned artists return after Taliban flee

Dozens of artists, including singers and dancers, who left Pakistan’s Swat district after the Taliban arrived are now returning to their homes.

The Taliban had banned many forms of art in the area, describing them “un-Islamic”.

Ms Zarmeena, one of the artists who moved to Karachi, said: “My family members in Swat say that the place is peaceful now and the barbaric people have been flushed out.”

The 27-year-old, who did not give her first name, is looking forward to returning home to Mingora, which is famous for its art.

She said: “I cannot live without Mingora. I hope the situation will improve and we will return to Mingora within a month.”

She added that she earns good money in Karachi at weddings and events. “But this does not mean that we would desert our homeland for money,” the singer and dancer said.

Her mother Fatima said Ms Zarmeena’s sister was killed by the Taliban in the town. She said they migrated to Karachi to protect their art and not to earn extra money.

“During the Taliban era, we had two options – either to die or leave the art of singing and dancing,” Ms Fatima, a dance teacher, told Pakistani newspaper the Daily Times.

Artists from the area are reportedly famous all across the North West Frontier Province and are hired for weddings and other celebrations by rich families.

Ms Zarmeena said: “We don’t fear whatever happens. We will go back to Swat and wait for a month before starting our business.”