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Veteran actor Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment on Thursday in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal area.

Born in 1948, Khan was known for her roles in several television shows, including Afshan, in which she played a woman left behind during Partition after her husband and brother are forced to flee the country, Aroosa, Family 93, Shaam Se Pehle and Bandhan.

Khan was also the elder sister of renowned actor Khalida Riasat.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said the post-mortem examination had not been performed yet. The deceased’s remains are in the morgue and indicate that she may have died a few days before she was found. The police are waiting for Khan’s son to arrive before proceeding further.

The spokesperson of the Gulshan-i-Iqbal police station said the body was discovered last night and that Khan lived by herself. Her children did not live in Karachi. On Thursday, someone went to visit her and found her body.

The spokesperson said the initial examination by local police believed she was in the bathroom when she passed away. The police shifted her to a hospital.

Condolences pour in

After news of Khan’s demise broke, members of the entertainment industry offered their condolences.

Actor Adnan Siddiqui shared a post on his Instagram and wrote, “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. I met her on the set of Uroosa, 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.”

Siddiqui said that in an industry that could be brisk and bustling, Khan carried herself with a calm dignity.

“She was never loud, never needing to prove anything — her craft did all the talking. 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.

“Ayesha jee wasn’t just an actor; she was an atmosphere. And her absence will be deeply felt.”

Actor Khaled Anam said, “With profound sadness, we share the news of legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan passing away this June 2025.”

“For decades, she graced our screens with iconic roles in Afshan, Aroosa, Family 93 (PTV classics), Mehndi, Naqab Zan, Bharosa Pyar Tera, Bisaat e Dil.”

Anam prayed for her forgiveness and patience for her family, fans and all those who loved her.

Actor Ahsan Khan also shared the news and hoped she rested in peace.

Entertainment channel HUM TV posted about Khan’s demise and said it mourned the loss of the legendary actor.

“May her soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”