Mohsin Peerzada's

  The Long Argument Against Geography   “The breakthrough of the Zojila Tunnel marks the beginning of a new relationship between the Himalayas and the people who live beyond them.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi O n 9 th June 2026, when engineers working deep beneath the mountains finally achieve breakthrough at the Zojila Tunnel, they will do much more than connect two excavation faces separated by rock and distance. They will bring to a close one of the longest and most consequential struggles between geography and human aspiration in the Himalayas. The event will not merely mark a milestone in construction. It will signify the beginning of a transformation whose consequences will be felt for generations across Kashmir, Kargil and Ladakh. Long before roads, tunnels and modern engineering entered the vocabulary of development, Zoji La occupied a unique place in the history of the region. For centuries it served as the gateway between the Kashmir Valley a...

After Sacrifice, Responsibility…. “Eid ul Adha serves as a reminder that true belief extends beyond ritual into responsibility towards society and the environment” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi Eid-ul-Adha is among the most profound occasions in the Islamic calendar. At its heart lies the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience and willingness to sacrifice what was dearest to him in submission to the will of Allah. The festival is not merely about the ritual of Qurbani. It is about humility, compassion, discipline and responsibility. The act of sacrifice carries a spiritual message that extends far beyond the slaughter itself. It asks believers to reflect on their duties towards society, fellow human beings and the world around them. In Kashmir, Eid-ul-Adha has always been observed with deep devotion and community spirit. From the early morning prayers to the distribution of meat among relatives, neighbours and the underprivileged, the festival reflects generosity and togeth...

Between Celebration and Cost Escalation “Amid the joy of revival and the belief that it is better late than never, escalating costs stand as a reminder that delay carries a price.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi After a prolonged and uncertain journey spanning several years, the recent approval by the Union Government for the construction of the Singhpora–Vailoo and Sudhmahadev–Dranga twin tube tunnels has rekindled hope across Jammu and Kashmir. Nearly four years ago, detailed project reports were prepared. Four years later, bids were invited. About two years ago, tenders were annulled. This was followed by over a year of rumours suggesting that the projects had been abandoned altogether. In this backdrop, the latest approval has brought relief to stakeholders and revived confidence that these long-awaited projects will finally take shape, with tenders expected to be floated soon. These tunnels go far beyond being mere engineering works. At present, NH-44 remains the primary corridor...

  Confronting Infrastructure Realities in J&K "However, experience, both nationally and locally, shows that administrative restructuring has produced mixed results. In some regions, new districts have improved accessibility and triggered infrastructure development" Peerzada Mohsin Shafi In mountainous regions, development does not unfold through declarations. It advances through sustained effort, careful planning and constant adaptation. Roads demand regular restoration after weather damage. Bridges must be engineered for harsh and shifting conditions. Public services extend with difficulty, often tested by distance and terrain. It is within this context that the proposal to create new hill districts and additional administrative divisions in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be viewed, not as a routine administrative step, but as a serious question of whether governance structures can realistically influence infrastructure outcomes in such a challenging landscape. Recent develo...

  Between the Moon and the Message "This is not merely a cultural inconvenience. It points to a deeper gap in civic infrastructure" Peerzada Mohsin Shafi Every time Ramadan draws close, the valley faces uncertainty over Eid. For decades, residents remain unsure whether the festival will be celebrated the next day or the day after. Markets stay open late with caution; transport schedules are put on hold and families wait anxiously for confirmation. What should be a moment of shared joy and preparation becomes a period of confusion, as the traditional moon sighting repeatedly fails to provide clarity. This confusion is not accidental. It stems from a fragmented system that relies on scattered testimonies, informal confirmations and multiple sources of authority. Announcements often vary across localities, leaving people to choose which version to follow. Some turn to local clerics, others look beyond the region while many rely on word of mouth that spreads faster than verificat...

  Eidgah grounds as urban public spaces "These historic prayer fields are among the largest open spaces in the Valley, yet their role as vital urban infrastructure remains largely ignored" Peerzada Mohsin Shafi On the morning of Eid, the Kashmir Valley wakes with a unique rhythm. Streets remain calm but the narrow lanes of neighbourhoods slowly begin to fill with people moving toward Eidgah grounds. Men dressed in traditional attire walk with prayer mats in their hands. Children hurry beside their fathers with excitement. Elders move slowly but with quiet anticipation. Within minutes vast open fields transform into seas of humanity where thousands stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer. For a brief moment the entire community gathers in a single place defined by faith unity and collective identity. Once the prayers end the crowds disperse and the ground returns to silence. A few hours later children begin to play cricket. Some young men kick a football across the uneven surface...