Ayesha Khan found dead in her Karachi flat aged 76

Veteran actor lived alone prior to death

Tributes poured in on Friday as veteran Pakistani television actor Ayesha Khan was found dead in her Gulshan-e-Iqbal flat in Karachi on Thursday evening, police confirmed.

As per reports across local media, according to a spokesperson, an initial examination by local police indicated that the actor, who lived by herself, had passed away in the bathroom. She was 76.

Ayesha, the elder sister of late actor Khalida Riasat, was born in 1948 and enjoyed an acting career spanning five decades. With her passing being mourned as a profound loss in the entertainment industry, Ayesha's most memorable performances across Pakistani television include her roles in Aroosa, Family 93, Shaam Se Pehle, and Afshan.

On Thursday, actor Khaled Anam took to Instagram to break the news of Ayesha's passing. "With profound sadness, we share the news of legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan passing away this June 2025," wrote Khaled.

Arts Council of Pakistan President Ahmed Shah called Ayesha's passing "a profound loss" for the country's drama industry. Gentleman star Adnan Siddiqui echoed the sentiment, taking to Instagram to pay his respects in a heartfelt post.

"There are people you meet early in your journey who leave behind quiet but lasting imprints. For me, Ayesha Khan sahiba was one of those people," began Adnan.

Reminiscing about his first meeting with the senior star when she played his on-screen mother in television serial Aroosa, Adnan lauded Ayesha's grace and compassion throughout her career.

"I met her on the set of Aroosa, my very first drama; I was a rookie then, a true greenhorn with only a few modelling assignments and commercials to my name. She was my on-screen mother but brought a compassion reminiscent of a maternal figure, a presence that soothed, grounded and made a space feel more human," continued Adnan. "In an industry that can often be brisk, brusque and bustling, Ayesha jee carried herself with a calm dignity. She was never loud, never needing to prove anything — her craft did all the talking."

Paying homage to all that he had learned from Ayesha, Adnan added, "Her kindness, her elegance, her calm strength, all of it taught me so much, even when she wasn't trying to. I consider it a gift to have shared screen space with her."

Adnan ended his tribute by commending the senior star's powerful presence on and off screen. "Ayesha jee wasn't just an actor; she was an atmosphere. And her absence will be deeply felt."