Beloved Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan has died aged 76

It emerged on Saturday (21.06.25) local police had said the veteran actress had died at least a week earlier, with neighbours alerting her family only after detecting a strong odour from the residence.

Tributes have poured in for the star, with actor Adnan Siddiqui saying in a statement: "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."

Ayesha's body was discovered on the night of 19 June, according to a spokesperson for the Gulshan-e-Iqbal police, but news of her passing is only now coming to light.

The actress had been living alone for many years, having largely stepped away from the entertainment industry.

Her children, police said, did not live nearby.

Dr Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon at Jinnah Hospital, confirmed to local media that a post-mortem examination would not proceed until her son arrived.

Preliminary assessments suggested Ayesha was in the bathroom when she died.

Police have begun questioning neighbours and family members as part of their investigation.

Ayesha was a celebrated figure in Pakistani television and film, known for her performances in acclaimed drama serials such as Akhri Chattan, Tipu Sultan: The Tiger Lord, Dehleez, Bol Meri Machli and Ek Aur Aasman.

She also starred in Soteli Maamta, her most recent screen appearance, which aired on Hum TV in 2020.

The actress was the elder sister of late TV star Khalida Riyasat.

A versatile performer, Ayesha appeared in both comedic and dramatic roles and was frequently cast alongside actors Qazi Wajid and Talat Hussain.

Her long-standing collaboration with these actors made her part of one of PTV's most loved on-screen ensembles.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Hum TV, with whom Ayesha frequently worked, issued a statement saying: "May her soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones."

Adnan Siddiqui, 54, remembered his first encounter with Ayesha during the filming of Uroosa.

"She was my on-screen mother but brought a compassion reminiscent of a maternal figure," he said in a post on Instagram - adding: "She was an atmosphere. And her absence will be deeply felt."

Actor Khaled Anam paid tribute to the actress's prolific career by posting a photo of her face and writing: "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, Mehndi, Naqab Zan, Bharosa Pyar Tera, Bisaat e Dil."