Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat, a towering figure in the Kashmiri political landscape and former chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), passed away at the age of 89 on September 17, 2025, in Sopore town of occupied Kashmir. His death has sent ripples of sorrow and reflection throughout the region and beyond, with tributes pouring in from leaders and organizations who recognized his lifelong commitment to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
On September 18, 2025, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the demise of Professor Bhat. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Speaker Sadiq paid tribute to Professor Bhat’s historic role in the Kashmir freedom movement, describing his contributions as nothing short of historic. "He devoted his entire life to the struggle for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination," the Speaker remarked, extending sincere sympathies to the bereaved family. He further emphasized that Professor Bhat’s services would be remembered with deep respect, noting that his passing was a significant loss to the movement. Sadiq offered prayers for the departed soul, asking Allah Almighty to elevate his ranks and grant patience and strength to his family.
The sense of loss was echoed far beyond Pakistan’s borders. The Brussels-based Kashmir Council (European Union) also voiced deep shock and grief over Professor Bhat’s passing. On September 18, 2025, the Council’s chairman, Ali Raza Syed, issued a statement paying rich tribute to the late leader for his enduring services to the ongoing freedom struggle of Jammu and Kashmir. As reported by Parliament Times and UrduPoint, Syed described Professor Bhat as "an unparalleled advocate for the rights of the people of Kashmir," lauding his ability as an orator who spoke with sense and wisdom on the Kashmir dispute. "In the history of Kashmir, Prof. Bhat will be remembered for all times to come for his vision, expression, statesmanship, and advocacy for the freedom struggle and right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir," Syed stated.
Professor Bhat’s career spanned decades of tumultuous political change in the region. He was not only the chairman of the APHC but also served as the ex-president of the Muslim Conference Jammu Kashmir, cementing his role as a central figure in the political narrative of the area. His intellectual and academic achievements were frequently highlighted by those who knew him, with many noting his reputation as a visionary political leader. The Kashmir Council EU, in its official message, called him "an intellectual, an academician, and a visionary political leader of Jammu Kashmir," and lamented that his demise was "a great loss for the struggle for the rights of oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir."
The outpouring of grief and respect for Professor Bhat’s legacy was not limited to official statements. Ali Raza Syed, on behalf of the Kashmir Council EU, extended condolences not only to Professor Bhat’s family but also to the broader Kashmiri community. He offered prayers for the utmost rest of the late leader’s soul in paradise, underscoring the personal and communal sense of loss experienced by many.
Professor Bhat’s advocacy for the Kashmiri cause was marked by his eloquence and depth of understanding. According to statements released to the media, he was widely recognized for speaking "of sense and wisdom on the rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmir dispute." His speeches and writings often emphasized the importance of dialogue, vision, and peaceful advocacy, setting him apart as a statesman even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
His passing comes at a time when the struggle for the rights of the Kashmiri people remains a deeply contested and emotionally charged issue, both within the region and on the international stage. Professor Bhat’s contributions to this cause were not merely symbolic; he was actively engaged in political dialogue, intellectual debate, and grassroots mobilization, seeking to bridge divides and articulate the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, captured this sentiment by noting that Professor Bhat’s "services will be remembered with deep respect."
For many in Kashmir and the diaspora, Professor Bhat’s death is not just the loss of a political leader but the departure of a guiding voice. His tenure as chairman of the APHC placed him at the heart of efforts to unite various political factions under a common banner, advocating for the right to self-determination as enshrined in international law. His leadership in the Muslim Conference Jammu Kashmir further demonstrated his commitment to the political empowerment and dignity of the Kashmiri people.
The tributes from the Kashmir Council EU and other organizations highlight the international dimension of Professor Bhat’s influence. His ability to engage with global audiences, from Brussels to Islamabad, made him a vital link between Kashmir’s local realities and the broader international community. As Ali Raza Syed noted, "Prof. Bhat will be remembered for all times to come for his vision, expression, statesmanship, and advocacy." These words speak to a legacy that transcends borders and political divides.
As the Kashmiri community mourns, there is a palpable sense of both loss and gratitude. Professor Bhat’s life serves as a reminder of the enduring power of principled leadership and the importance of advocating for justice, even in the face of adversity. The prayers and condolences extended by leaders such as Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Ali Raza Syed reflect a shared recognition of the challenges ahead, as well as a commitment to honoring Professor Bhat’s memory through continued advocacy and dialogue.
In the days following his passing, reflections on Professor Bhat’s legacy have underscored the need for continued engagement with the issues he championed. His vision for a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir conflict remains relevant, and his example offers inspiration for those who continue to work toward that goal. As the tributes make clear, Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat’s life and work will not be forgotten, and his influence will endure in the hearts and minds of the Kashmiri people and their supporters around the world.
The passing of Professor Bhat marks the end of an era for the Kashmiri freedom movement, but his legacy of wisdom, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the cause will continue to resonate for generations to come.