Prominent Broadcaster Abdul Ahad Farhad Is No More | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Renowned broadcaster, writer and poet Abdul Ahad Farhad passed away suddenly in Jammu on Monday, triggering widespread grief across literary, journalistic and cultural circles in the Kashmir. He was around 85.

At one point, he was the signature tone of the news section on Radio Kashmir Srinagar, where he served as the lead newscaster. Later, he handed many literary and other programmes linked to Sufis and saints. Post retirement, he was associated with Doordarshan as well.

Farhad was widely regarded as a prominent and influential voice in Kashmiri literature and broadcasting. Known for the depth and clarity of his writings, he consistently foregrounded cultural values through his creative work and public engagements. Colleagues and contemporaries remembered him as a committed intellectual who combined literary sensitivity with professional integrity.

Over the years, Farhad remained closely associated with several literary and cultural platforms. He hosted and curated programmes that promoted literature, particularly encouraging young and emerging writers, earning respect among peers as well as audiences across the Valley.

His body is being brought from Jammu to Srinagar, where his last rites will be performed later on Monday at Soura.

Family sources said Farhad had gone to Jammu to evade the harsh winters only recently. He had planned an early spring return. However, destiny had some different planned for him.

Condolences poured in from writers, journalists and cultural organisations, who described his death as a significant loss to Kashmir’s literary landscape. Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari expressed grief over Farhad’s passing, saying his contributions to literature, broadcasting and journalism would always be remembered. In a post on X, Bukhari described Farhad as a person of character and integrity and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Farhad’s literary stature was reflected in events held during his lifetime to celebrate his work. Three of his books were earlier unveiled at a function organised at Tagore Hall by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Asian Mail Communications. The event was attended by journalists, poets and writers from across the Kashmir Valley.

Farhad’s passing has left a void in Kashmir’s cultural and literary world, with many describing his work as a bridge between tradition, contemporary thought and public discourse.

Farhad is survived by his daughter and son in a law, both teachers at the University of Kashmir.