Veteran Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan passes away, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that touched the lives of countless viewers. Earlier this week, her lifeless body was discovered in her flat in Karachi’s Gulshan‑e‑Iqbal neighborhood. Authorities believe she passed away around June 19, 2025, and that the remains may have been unattended for about a week before the foul odor alerted neighbors.
Ayesha Khan was 77 years old, born on August 22, 1948, in Karachi. She began her acting journey in the 1960s and enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over five decades . Her performances in classic PTV dramas like Afshan, Aroosa, and Family 93, as well as later works including Mehndi, Naqab Zan, Bharosa Pyar Tera, and Bisaat-e-Dil, showcased her remarkable range, from satirical comedy to deep, emotionally complex characters .
It’s heartbreaking to learn she may have died while alone, possibly in the bathroom, and that her children live outside Karachi . After her passing was confirmed, the police moved her body first to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal procedures, then to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth, awaiting the arrival of her family for both post-mortem and funeral arrangements .
Ayesha’s contributions to Pakistani television cannot be overstated. She was part of that golden era of PTV and earned reverence for her portrayals of strong, nuanced women. She often shared the screen with prominent actors such as Qazi Wajid and Talat Hussain and brought authenticity to every role she inhabited .
Her sister, the late Khalida Riyasat—herself a beloved actress—died in 1996 . The sister duo was known for leaving an unbreakable mark on television history, representing a powerful chapter in Pakistan’s entertainment legacy.
Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow at her passing, calling it “a profound loss” for the drama and arts community . Those who worked with Ayesha remember her as a kind, generous artist who cared deeply about her craft and the people around her.
Despite the tragedy of her lonely final days, Ayesha Khan’s life speaks volumes. She embodied a generation of artists who shaped Pakistani television from its earliest days. Her loss reminds us not only of mortality but of the importance of companionship and community—both on and off camera.
In honoring her memory, let’s not only celebrate the unforgettable performances she gave but also support the many living legends still among us. May her family find comfort in knowing her work will resonate for generations, and may she rest in peace.
