Noted journalist, poet Faiyaz Dilbar passes away

Srinagar, Nov 9:Kashmir’s journalistic and literary fraternity plunged into mourning on Sunday following the demise of noted journalist, author, poet and playwright Faiyaz Dilbar, who passed away at SMHS Hospital after a brief spell of illness.

A resident of Maharaj Gunj and a member of the well-known Qazi family, Dilbar was widely respected for his contribution to journalism and literature.

Senior Journalist Yusuf Jameel while expressing grief over the demise said that “Faiyaz Dilbar began his career in the early 1980s when he ran the KNB News Agency from Dar Building at Madina Chowk in Srinagar. During that time, he collaborated with veteran journalist Vinod Dua, a meeting that would eventually lead him to Delhi, where he went on to build a distinguished career as a journalist and creative writer.”

Remembering him, Jameel said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news of Dilbar’s passing.

“Though we were distant neighbours, it was in the 1980s that our paths crossed. Faiyaz later became a close friend and our bond remained strong for decades,” Jameel said.

Senior photojournalist Habib Naqash, who shared a long association with the deceased, described his demise as a great loss to Kashmir’s media and cultural circles. “Faiyaz was a close friend, a gentle soul with a sharp mind. His passing is a great loss for all of us who knew and worked with him,” Naqash said.

Meanwhile, messages of condolence have poured in from journalists, writers, and artists across Jammu and Kashmir, who described Dilbar as a multifaceted personality and a man who combined intellect and humility in equal measure. Many have prayed for eternal peace to his soul and strength to the bereaved family.