Senior Kashmiri journalist Abdul Rashid Shah, the founder, Chief Editor, and owner of the prominent Urdu daily Nida-e-Mashriq, passed away early Saturday in Srinagar following a prolonged battle with pulmonary ailments. He was 78. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Born in June 1948 in Chinkral Mohallah, Habba Kadal, in old Srinagar, Shah was a towering figure in Kashmir’s Urdu journalism landscape. He began his career working as a part-time editor at the Urdu daily Alsafa and later served with the State Information Department. In 1992, he resigned from government service to launch Nida-e-Mashriq, which he nurtured into a respected publication known for its moderate circulation, ethical reporting, and fearless coverage of public issues even during turbulent periods in the region.
Shah earned widespread admiration for his principled approach, commitment to highlighting societal concerns, and contributions to the growth of Urdu media in Jammu and Kashmir. In his later years, health challenges kept him largely away from public life, but his legacy endured through the newspaper he founded.
His demise has drawn widespread tributes from the media fraternity, political figures, and colleagues, who described it as a profound loss to journalism in the region.
- The Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mohammad Aslam Bhat, mourned Shah as a veteran whose long service represented a major loss to the media community.
- Senior journalist Ahmed Ali Fayyaz recalled his early career association with Shah and noted his dedication in sustaining Nida-e-Mashriq through difficult times.
- Political figures, including Tariq Hameed Karra, and organizations such as the Joint Directorate of Information (JDI) Kashmir, Director Information & Public Relations (DIPR), and others expressed condolences, highlighting his fearless voice and inspirational role.
- Social media tributes, including from JKPC spokesperson Mir Arif, emphasized his dedication to public issues and enduring influence on future generations.
Shah is survived by his family, including his son Haroon Rashid (who continues as editor of the newspaper) and daughter Rubina Kousar (JKAS, Director General Libraries).
The media community and society at large have paid homage to his dignified service and the void left by his passing.
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