Salahuddin Ahmad Shah, a Kashmir-origin veteran broadcast journalist passed away in the United States, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the spoken word, Syed Shadab Ali Gillani reports
Salahuddin Ahmad Shah, a veteran broadcast journalist and distinguished figure at Radio Pakistan and the Voice of America (VOA) Urdu Service, died on August 27, 2024, in the United States at the age of 97. Shah’s remarkable career at VOA spanned 35 years, and even post-retirement, he remained in the US, leaving behind a legacy deeply intertwined with his commitment to journalism and his enduring connection to his Kashmiri heritage.
Born in 1927 in Srinagar, Kashmir, Shah’s early life was shaped by the tumultuous partition in 1947. He was selected in the Indian Air Force as a pilot, but a pivotal decision by his father altered his trajectory. When faced with choosing between Delhi and Lahore on his application form, his father opted for Lahore.
As partition unfolded, Shah found himself stranded in Delhi for two months before finally reaching Lahore. Upon arrival, he was denied the job he had applied for, as the position now fell within India’s borders. Undeterred, Shah chose to remain in Lahore, where he began a new chapter, working for approximately two years before relocating to Karachi.
Filmmaker and broadcaster Zahoor Zahid is Shah’s nephew. “In Karachi, Shah embarked on his media career as an assistant editor at Radio Pakistan,” Zahoor said. “He pursued further education, earning a master’s degree, and steadily ascended through the ranks, highlighting an extraordinary aptitude for journalism.” As a correspondent, Shah regularly accompanied Pakistani presidents and prime ministers on their international trips, he added.
Eventually, Shah assumed the position of Director General of News at Radio Pakistan, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s broadcast journalism landscape.
In 1981, Shah made a pivotal move to the United States, joining VoA, where he would spend more than three decades honing his craft. Renowned for his exceptional expertise, meticulous approach, and expansive knowledge of global affairs, Shah’s focus extended far beyond his deep understanding of India and Pakistan, encompassing issues in Iran, Afghanistan, and global political and economic developments. His unwavering dedication to staying informed was reflected in his voracious reading habits and constant engagement with news sources worldwide. Although Shah retired from VOA about 12 years before his passing, his commitment to journalism and his Kashmiri roots remained unshakeable.
Zahoor also reflected on the tragedies that unfolded in Shah’s life over time. Shah’s personal life was marked by profound loss and remarkable resilience. “He was married and had a son, Haseeb, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest just eight days after his wedding,” Zahoor recalled. “Haseeb was a pilot, and his sudden death left an indelible mark on Shah, profoundly affecting him for the rest of his life.”Shah’s wife passed away in 2010, deepening his sense of loneliness.
Despite these personal tragedies, Shah found solace in his frequent visits to Kashmir, a tradition he maintained regularly from 2010 until 2018. In 2019, his health prevented him from visiting, but his enduring connection to his homeland remained strong, Zahoor remembered.
Reflecting on Shah’s life and work, Kashmiri journalist Yousuf Jameel shared fond memories of their interactions. Jameel first connected with Shah through phone calls after joining VoA, where Shah would offer valuable feedback on news stories and suggest thoughtful edits.
“My first face-to-face meeting took place in 1996 when I travelled to New York to receive the International Press Freedom Award. Shah Sahab invited me to his home, where I met him and his family, including his son Haseeb,” Jameel recalled. However, by their third meeting in 2002, Shah was alone, still grieving the loss of his son.
Shah’s connection to Kashmir was profound, despite spending much of his life in Pakistan and later in the United States. His heart remained firmly rooted in Kashmir, as evident in his constant inquiries about political developments, personal updates on individuals he knew, and ongoing discussions about the region’s situation. Jameel recounted Shah’s consistent engagement, noting how he would often reach out to discuss not only major incidents but also personal matters, such as inquiries about the journalist’s family members.
Shah’s last sojourn in Kashmir was in August 2023, but his visit was curtailed due to illness. During this trip, he articulated a profound desire to spend more time in his ancestral homeland. He had even made meticulous arrangements for his eventual return to Kashmir, including reserving burial plots and making provisions for his body to be transported back to Kashmir in the event of his passing elsewhere.
Throughout his life, Shah harboured a deep appreciation for Kashmiri culture and language. “He used to lament the loss of the Kashmiri language among the diaspora, emphasising that language is a core component of cultural identity,” Zahoor said. Shah’s commitment to preserving his heritage extended to his friendships with prominent literary figures, including celebrated Pakistani poets and authors such as Ibn Insha and Rahman Rahi. His literary connections and cultural pursuits exemplified his profound respect for the arts and his enduring love for the land of his birth.
Zahoor said Shah was a paragon of integrity, a gifted journalist, and a polyglot of remarkable skill. His early forays into cultural pursuits, friendships with luminaries like Balraj Sahni, and contributions to journalism all underscored his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Zahoor recalled that Shah’s linguistic expertise was particularly evident in his mastery of Kashmiri, which he spoke with greater fluency than many others. He often exhorted others to embrace the richness and depth of the Kashmiri language.
