The Pakistani entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran television actress Ayesha Khan, who passed away at the age of 77. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans who remember her as one of the foundational figures of Pakistan Television (PTV).

 

Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi on Thursday. 

 

According to police reports, her neighbours alerted her family after noticing a strong odour coming from the flat. Authorities believe her body had been there for nearly a week before it was discovered. She had been living alone and had distanced herself from public life in recent years due to health concerns.

 

Her body was initially moved to Jinnah Hospital and later shifted to the Edhi Mortuary in Sohrab Goth. The cause of death remains unknown as police await the arrival of her son; a postmortem has yet to be conducted.

 

Ayesha Khan was widely celebrated for her work in PTV’s golden era, starring in memorable dramas such as Afshan, Uroosa, Aanch, Bandhan, and Shaam Se Pehle. Born in 1948, she was part of a generation of actors who laid the foundation for Pakistan’s mainstream drama scene. 

 

News of her death has triggered emotional tributes from prominent figures in the entertainment world.

 

Actor Adnan Siddiqui, who worked with Ayesha Khan in his debut drama Uroosa, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, “At the beginning of life’s journey, we sometimes meet people who silently leave a deep impact on our lives, and for me, Ayesha Khan was one such person.”

 

He added, “She was my on-screen mother.” Reflecting on her acting style, Siddiqui noted, “She didn’t depend on loudness or dramatics; her approach was understated, allowing her performances to convey emotional depth.”

 

Actress Anoushay Abbasi also reacted in the comments of Siddiqui’s post, calling the news “devastating.”

 

Actor Khalid Anam was among the first to share the news publicly. He wrote, “It is with great sadness that we inform you that legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan has passed away. She was 77 years old. May Allah Almighty forgive her, elevate her ranks, and grant patience to her family, fans, and lovers.”

 

Actor Ahsan Khan also offered his prayers, saying, “May Allah Almighty grant her paradise.”

 

Actress Shagufta Ijaz recalled Ayesha Khan’s early guidance in her career, “I will never forget her support and encouragement in my first drama ‘Aanch.’”

 

Actress Javeria Saud posted: “May Allah Almighty grant her Jannah.”

 

Actor Yasir Hussain expressed his grief along with a subtle reflection on the nature of industry relationships, “Many days have passed since her death, but everyone was sleeping. We are all the same, we forget everything.”

 

He added, “In the showbiz industry, artists meet each other every day, they even become friends, but it is limited only to the scope of work.”