KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Feb 4: A pall of gloom has enveloped Kashmir following the demise of renowned physician Dr Haji Atiqullah, who passed away in Srinagar after a brief illness today. While his death is being mourned across the Valley, it has left an especially deep void in North Kashmir, where he devoted a major part of his life to the selfless service of patients.
Hailing from Sopore, Dr Atiqullah was a towering figure in Kashmir’s medical fraternity. For decades, he stood as a symbol of trust, humility and compassion at a time when quality healthcare facilities were scarce. His clinic often served as the first ray of hope for the ailing, particularly the underprivileged, earning him immense respect that transcended regional boundaries.
Dr Atiqullah was the father of Dr Shad Salim Akhtar, one of Kashmir’s leading medical oncologists, and the father of Kashmir’s renowned gynecologist Dr Farhat Jabeen. He was also the father-in-law of former Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and Kashmir’s renowned and leading pediatrician, Dr Kaiser Ahmad Kaul.
According to family sources, the Nimaz-e-Janazah was offered at Shah Anwar Colony, Hyderpora, Srinagar, before Asr prayers, and later at Sopore Eidgah after Magrib prayers today. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard. Condolence gatherings will be held at Shah Anwar Colony, Hyderpora, while Fateh Khawani will take place at Sopore on Saturday.
Expressing profound grief, Syed Basharat, Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Despatch newspaper, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, terming Dr Atiqullah’s demise an irreparable loss to Kashmir, particularly to North Kashmir.
“Dr Atiqullah’s lifelong service to humanity, especially in North Kashmir, stands as a shining example of medical ethics and compassion. His contribution to healthcare in Kashmir will be remembered for generations. Kashmir Despatch shares the grief of the family and prays for eternal peace to the departed soul,” Syed Basharat said.
Tributes have been pouring in from across Kashmir, with doctors, civil society members and common citizens remembering Dr Atiqullah as a healer who placed humanity above all else and dedicated his life to the service of the people.
