Ayesha Khan, one of the most prominent figures of the early years of Pakistan Television, was discovered dead in her flat located in Karachi on Thursday. She was 77 years old.

 

 

She had been living alone in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighborhood of the city. According to police, neighbours informed her family after noticing a strong odour coming from the flat. Her body was believed to be nearly a week old by the time it was discovered. 

 

 

Khan had not been seen in public for several years due to health issues, leading her to withdraw from acting.

 

 

Her legacy is closely associated with some of PTV’s most popular and frequently aired serials. She starred in notable roles in Afshan, Uroosa, Aanch,  Bandhan, and Shaam Se Pehle. 

 

 

Born in 1948, Ayesha Khan was part of a group of actors who established the groundwork for mainstream dramas in Pakistan. She was also the elder sister of actor Khalida Riasat, who passed away in 1996.

 

 

The news of her passing prompted many celebrities to offer condolences. Adnan Siddiqui, who worked with her in his debut serial Uroosa, shared his memories on Instagram, reflecting on her calm demeanor, grounded nature, and the impactful presence she brought to the set.

 

 

He mentioned that Ayesha Khan did not depend on loudness or dramatics; "her approach was understated, allowing her performances to convey the emotional depth".

 

 

Actor Anoushay Abbasi expressed her sadness in the comments section of Siddiqui’s post, describing the news as "devastating".

 

 

Ayesha Khan's on-screen contributions spanned many years, with numerous characters continuing to appear on state and private channels long after their initial broadcasts. For countless viewers, her performances formed an integral part of a collective cultural memory influenced by PTV’s early narratives.