Shakeel Azad
The passing of senior journalist Nisar Peerzada on January 13, 2026, after a prolonged illness, has left a noticeable void in Jammu and Kashmir’s media landscape. A resident of Tral in south Kashmir, Peerzada served as Editor-in-Chief of the weekly newspaper Kashmir Traveller and had built a career spanning decades in a region where journalism has often required extraordinary resilience amid conflict, censorship pressures, and societal expectations. His death comes at a time when the profession in Kashmir faces ongoing challenges, from restricted access to information to the need for balanced reporting in a polarized environment. Peerzada represented an older generation of journalists who viewed their work as a commitment to truth-telling and amplifying marginalized voices, qualities that remain essential yet increasingly difficult to sustain.
The core argument is that Peerzada’s life and work exemplify the enduring value of principled journalism in Kashmir. In a field marked by rapid shifts—from print to digital, from relative calm to heightened scrutiny—figures like him upheld standards of accuracy, fairness, and empathy. His contributions helped bridge gaps between remote areas and mainstream discourse, mentoring younger reporters and reinforcing that journalism serves the public interest above personal or institutional agendas. In an era where media credibility is frequently questioned, his example reminds us why integrity matters: it builds trust, preserves historical memory, and supports democratic accountability, even in constrained settings.
Evidence from Peerzada’s career illustrates this commitment. He worked with Rehnuma-e-Kashmir, an Urdu weekly, under veteran broadcaster Ashraf Sahil, focusing on social and political issues that affected everyday people. His involvement with Kargil Number, a publication that spotlighted Ladakh’s remote regions, ensured that grievances from underrepresented communities reached wider audiences at a time when connectivity was limited. Later, he co-founded News Today with senior journalist Zahoor Shaair, establishing a news agency that emphasized credible reporting across print and emerging electronic formats. These efforts were not high-profile national ventures but grounded initiatives that prioritized local relevance and balance.
Peerzada also pursued formal education to strengthen his craft. He was among the early participants in the Journalism and Mass Communication program at Kashmir University through IGNOU, studying under respected faculty including Nasir Mirza and Syeda Afshana. This academic grounding complemented his practical experience, fostering a thoughtful approach that combined intellectual rigor with ethical clarity. Beyond personal growth, he mentored a generation of reporters, teaching that success in journalism stems from safeguarding public trust and adhering to facts, even under pressure. His guidance helped shape professionals who navigated the profession’s demands with similar dedication.
His legacy extends to the broader context of Kashmiri journalism. The field has produced figures who documented conflict, advocated for transparency, and preserved cultural narratives through turbulent periods. Peerzada’s work fits within this tradition, echoing the resilience seen in poets like Mahjoor and Abdul Ahad Azad, who used words to affirm humanity amid adversity. In Tral and across the Valley, his influence encouraged a journalism rooted in dignity and honesty.
A brief counterpoint acknowledges the complexities. Journalism in Kashmir operates under unique constraints, including security concerns, limited resources, and occasional accusations of bias from multiple sides. Not every practitioner achieves the same level of consistency, and systemic pressures can compromise independence. Yet Peerzada’s record stands out for its steadfastness; he navigated these realities without compromising core principles, proving that ethical practice remains possible even in challenging environments.
The practical conclusion is clear: Kashmir’s media fraternity and society must actively preserve and promote the values Peerzada embodied. Media organizations could institutionalize mentorship programs to pass on ethical training to new entrants. Educational institutions, building on programs like those at Kashmir University, should emphasize integrity alongside technical skills. Civil society and readers bear responsibility too—by supporting credible outlets, demanding accountability, and resisting sensationalism. Policymakers might consider measures that protect journalists’ safety and access without undue restrictions, fostering an environment where principled reporting can thrive.
Nisar Peerzada’s contributions may not have made global headlines, but they mattered deeply to those whose stories he told and those he inspired. In remembering him, we honor not just one life but the ideal of journalism as a public service. May his memory strengthen the resolve of those who continue in the field, ensuring that voices from Kashmir’s valleys and mountains are heard with fairness and courage.
