Body of veteran actress found days after her death
Ayesha’s passing is being mourned as a profound loss. Photo: File
She died alone, forgotten — until the stench of her decaying body forced the world to remember.
The tragic discovery of TV artiste Ayesha Khan's body, lying unnoticed for days in her own home, has exposed the cruel fickleness of fame and the chilling reality of how quickly the spotlight fades.
Neighbours, driven to desperation by the unbearable odour of death, finally called police-unveiling a grim end for a star the world had left behind.
Ayesha Khan, 77, a celebrated figure of the drama industry, was found dead in her Gulshan-e-Iqbal apartment on Thursday evening. Police sources confirmed that the actress had likely passed away nearly a week before her discovery, with neighbours only informing police after a foul odour emanated from her residence.
According to officials, Ayesha, who lived alone, was believed to have died in her bathroom. Her children, who reside outside Karachi, were informed. The body was shifted to JPMC for medico-legal formalities before being moved to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth.
Dr Summaiya Syed, the police surgeon, said that a post-mortem examination is pending, awaiting the arrival of her legal heirs. Police have classified the case as an unnatural death but found no immediate signs of foul play.
Born in 1948, Ayesha Khan was a pioneering actress of Pakistan Television (PTV), renowned for her compelling performances in classic dramas. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she played strong, nuanced female characters that left an indelible mark on the industry. She was also the elder sister of the late actress Khalida Riasat.
Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow over her demise, calling it a "great loss for Pakistani drama." Funeral arrangements will be announced once her family completes legal formalities. Ayesha's tragic and solitary passing has sparked debates about the welfare of aging artistes, raising questions about the industry's responsibility toward its veterans once the limelight fades.