Atif Maqbool
Atif Maqbool, also known as Sheikh Atif Maqbool, is a Kashmiri politician, independent media founder, and social entrepreneur. Hailing from Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir, he is the visionary behind three influential platforms: The Azadi Times, an internationally-read independent news outlet; Vibrant Spark Digital (formerly KashConnect Media), a full-scale digital agency; and Kashmir Tour Trails, a sustainable tourism initiative promoting regional heritage. Known for his fearless advocacy of press freedom and the right to self-determination, Sheikh Atif Maqbool has emerged as a powerful voice for truth, youth empowerment, and community-led change in South Asia.