Distinguished journalist, media entrepreneur, and the visionary behind Kashmir News Service — two decades of shaping J&K's information landscape.
Media must be a catalyst for positive change — not merely a mirror of events, but a force that holds power accountable and amplifies the voices that matter.— Mohd Aslam Bhat, KNS
Mohd Aslam Bhat
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Kashmir News Service
Mohd Aslam Bhat is a distinguished journalist, media entrepreneur, and the visionary behind the Kashmir News Service (KNS). Recognised for his foresight in the evolution of regional media, he has spent over two decades shaping the information landscape in Jammu & Kashmir.
A Pioneer in News Dissemination — In 2002, Bhat founded KNS in Srinagar. At a time when the media industry relied heavily on traditional print and broadcast methods, he identified the potential for a more agile, dedicated wire service. He established KNS as one of the first professional agencies in J&K, building the foundational infrastructure that allowed the organisation to lead the region's eventual transition into the digital age. Under his strategic leadership, KNS evolved from a foundational news venture into a primary information hub — delivering real-time, credible reporting in both English and Urdu to a diverse portfolio of local, national, and international media partners.
Editorial Impact & Integrity — As Editor-in-Chief, Bhat is the driving force behind the editorial standards that define KNS. Under his leadership, the agency has consistently broken significant stories, setting the agenda for public discourse and providing investigative reporting that has brought critical regional issues to the forefront. His approach balances the tradition of rigorous, source-based journalism with the demands of modern media, ensuring an unwavering commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and ethical practice.
Advocacy, Literature & Community Engagement — Beyond his professional journalistic endeavours, Bhat is deeply committed to the cultural and social fabric of J&K. An active voice within various media unions, he advocates for the rights and professional development of journalists. A passionate patron of the arts, he has been instrumental in promoting literary circles across the region, with a particular focus on the preservation and advancement of Urdu literature in Kashmir. He consistently utilises his platform to advocate for critical social and environmental causes, ensuring that media serves as a catalyst for positive societal change.
Awards & Recognition — Bhat's contributions to journalism have been formally acknowledged with the prestigious Jammu and Kashmir State Award — an honour that reflects his lifelong commitment to responsible media practices and his role in fostering a culture of professional, independent journalism across J&K.
Today, Bhat remains dedicated to maintaining the highest journalistic benchmarks, ensuring that KNS continues to provide a vital, truthful, and authoritative voice in the media ecosystem.
Srinagar MP says Dr Farooq Abdullah fatherly figure to him; will reconsider quitting if Omar steps down as CM, returns to Parliament to lead constitutional fight
In this candid chat with Kashmir News Service Editor in Chief Mohammad Aslam Bhat, Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and a senior National Conference leader, speaks about the government's performance, relations with New Delhi, criticism from opposition parties, the proposed Delhi protest for statehood, questions surrounding internal party dynamics, cabinet expansion and the broader political future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Formally honoured by the Jammu & Kashmir government for lifelong commitment to responsible, independent media — the highest institutional recognition of his contribution to the profession.
A career built on accuracy, objectivity, and ethical practice. Rigorous source-based journalism that has consistently set the standard for credible regional reporting across J&K.
An active advocate for journalists' rights through media unions, and a driving force behind the promotion of Urdu literary circles and the preservation of Kashmir's rich cultural heritage.