June 21, 2025: The Pakistani entertainment industry is in mourning after the tragic news that legendary actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 7 area. She was 77 years old.
Authorities discovered her decomposed body on June 18 (Wednesday) after neighbors reported a foul odor emanating from her flat. It is believed that she had passed away nearly a week earlier, alone and unattended.
A Life of Legacy and Loneliness
Ayesha Khan, known for her iconic roles in classic Pakistani dramas, had reportedly been battling health complications and was living alone. She was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal formalities before her remains were transferred to the Edhi Foundation mortuary in Sohrab Goth.
Despite her towering fame, her final days appear to have been marked by solitude—a harsh contrast to the spotlight she once owned.
Career Spanning Decades
Starting her career at Radio Pakistan, Ayesha Khan made her television debut in 1964 on PTV, where she quickly rose to fame. Her standout performances in dramas like Afshan, Aroosa, Mehndi, Bol Meri Machli, Ek Aur Aasman, Dehleez, Daraarein, Akhri Chattan, and Tipu Sultan: The Tiger Lord made her a beloved household name.
She also starred in several Pakistani films, including Raju Ban Geya Gentleman, Tahira, Muskaan, and Fatima, leaving an indelible mark on both the small and big screens.
Personal Background
Born on November 22, 1948, Ayesha Khan was the elder sister of another legendary actress, Khalida Riyasat. Her father, Riyasat-ullah Khan, served as a superintendent in the Karachi police.
A mother of two children—a son and a daughter—Ayesha balanced her illustrious career with family life, though little is known about her immediate survivors at this time.
End of an Era
Her sudden and lonely passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and reflection across the country. Artists, fans, and colleagues alike have taken to social media and news platforms to honor her extraordinary contributions to Pakistani drama and cinema.
“Her death leaves a void in our cultural heritage that cannot be filled,” said one industry veteran.
Ayesha Khan’s work lives on, etched in the memory of those who grew up watching her powerful performances. Her story is a poignant reminder of both the brilliance and isolation that can accompany a life in the spotlight.