KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Sep 13: Prof. Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandhi, a renowned surgeon and one of the most respected figures in the medical fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away early this morning. He was the maternal uncle of Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, J&K.
Prof. Naqashbandhi had served as the Principal and Dean of Government Medical College Srinagar and was also the former Head of the Department of Surgery at SMHS Hospital. During his long and illustrious career, he earned recognition as a skilled surgeon, an able administrator, and a dedicated teacher who mentored generations of doctors in the Valley.
Family sources confirmed that his Nimaz-e-Janaza will be offered today at 11 a.m. at the graveyard of Naqashband Sahib, Nowhatta. Relatives, colleagues, and hundreds of his students are expected to attend the funeral prayers to pay their last respects.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of surgery in Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Naqashbandhi made significant contributions in upgrading medical education and healthcare facilities in the region. Colleagues remember him as a disciplined professional who set high standards in surgical practice and academic excellence. His tenure as Principal of GMC Srinagar is often described as a phase of progress in both academic and institutional development.
His passing has been widely condoled by the medical fraternity, teaching faculty, and alumni of GMC Srinagar, who recalled his guidance and encouragement during their formative years. Tributes also poured in from administrative and social circles, acknowledging his role in shaping healthcare delivery in the Union Territory.
Expressing grief over his demise, Syed Basharat, Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Despatch Newspaper, conveyed heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow.
Prof. Naqashbandhi’s demise marks the end of an era in J&K’s medical education, leaving behind a legacy of service, commitment, and excellence that will be remembered for years to come.
