Veteran Contractors’ Leader Nazir Ahmad Zargar Passes Away, Valley Mourns Loss | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The trade and business fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday mourned the demise of veteran contractors’ leader and Chief Whip of the Jammu Kashmir Central Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCCC), Nazir Ahmad Zargar, who passed away after a brief illness.

Widely regarded as a towering figure in Kashmir’s contractors’ community, Zargar’s death triggered condolence meetings across the Valley, with trade bodies, contractors’ associations, business organisations and social groups describing his passing as a major loss to the business fraternity and public works sector.

Nazir Ahmad Zargar served the contractors’ community for several decades in various leadership capacities, including as president of different contractors’ associations before assuming the role of Chief Whip of JKCCCC. He was known for his integrity, professional commitment and advocacy for the rights of local contractors.

Over the years, he played a key role in the development and maintenance of government residential and official infrastructure under the Estates Department, including official accommodations and important public establishments. Colleagues and associates remembered him as a leader who balanced professional responsibilities with a strong commitment to safeguarding public assets and public expenditure.

Paying tribute to the deceased, former President of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Shakeel Qalander, described Zargar as a respected and influential figure who earned recognition through dedication, hard work and professional excellence.

“Nazir Ahmad Zargar possessed the rare ability of balancing the interests of his community with his deep sense of responsibility towards public assets and public expenditure. He never compromised on principles and always worked for the collective good,” Qalander said.

JKCCCC General Secretary Farooq Ahmad Dar, Chief Advisor Javid Ahmad Zargar and senior leaders, including Arshid Ahmad Bhat, Ishfaq Ahmad Khan, Umer Javid, Sheikh Javid, Zaffer Ahmad, Riyaz Ahmad, Mohammed Rafiq Wani and Tariq Kawdari, also paid tributes, remembering him as a humble and sincere leader whose wisdom and dedication earned admiration across the business community.

The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) also expressed grief over his demise. In a joint condolence message, KEA Chairman M Yousuf Chapri, Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din Ganaie, Haji Wali Mohammad, Abdul Hamid Sher Gujri and Shiraz Ahmad termed his death a great loss to the contractors’ and business fraternity.

Condolences continued to pour in from different parts of Jammu Kashmir for the bereaved family, particularly his sons Basharat Nazir Zargar and Ishrat Nazir Zargar, sons-in-law Pirzadah Sajad Rasool Shah and Sheikh Shafaqat Hussain, besides his close associate and longtime friend, Iftikhar Ahmad Qadiri.

Business leaders and associates observed that with the passing of Nazir Ahmad Zargar, Jammu Kashmir has lost a distinguished figure whose life reflected integrity, professional excellence and selfless public service.

The concluding day-long condolence meeting in remembrance of the departed leader is scheduled to be held on Wednesday at the family’s residence in Gulab Bagh, where members of the business community, friends and well-wishers are expected to gather to offer prayers and pay their respects.