Artists, especially those affiliated with music and performing arts, fear a crackdown if the Mutahidda-i-Majli-i-Amal came into power in KP following the elections later this month.

The Pashto entrainment industry is in throes and a return of the religious right might spell further trouble.

Many are pinning hopes on non-religious parties in the polls and wish to see the art industry do better.

Read Dawn's report from Peshawar here.