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The year 2023 proved to be a challenging one for the Pakistani media industry, marked by the unfortunate loss of several veteran actors. Esteemed figures such as Qavi Khan, Yousaf Shakeel, and Zia Mohiuddin, often considered acting academies in their own right, bid farewell, leaving a void in the industry. Here is a compilation of the tragic departures of Pakistani celebrities in 2023
Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf, former COAS in the Pakistan Army and the President of Pakistan for seven years, passed away in a Dubai hospital on February 4th due to a rare disease.
Mashal Bukhari
The former Express News anchor and wife of Ameer Abbas, Mashal Bukhari, succumbed to cancer at the age of 38 in January.
Majid Jahangir
Popular actor and comedian Majid Jahangir, residing in Bahria Town Lahore, passed away on January 10, 2023, after surviving five years with body paralysis. He was taken to the hospital due to breathing issues.
Amjad Islam Amjad
On February 10th, Amjad Aslam Amjad, aged 78, peacefully passed away in his sleep due to a cardiac arrest.
Zia Muhiuddin
On February 13th, Zia Muhiuddin, an icon in art and culture, passed away in Karachi at the age of 91. He had been unwell and was on life support.
Qavi Khan
Veteran television actor Qavi Khan passed away on March 6th in Canada at the age of 80. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer in Canada and was laid to rest there.
Khalid Saeed Butt
Osman Khalid Butt and Omar Khalid Butt’s father and former PTV actor Khalid Saeed Butt passed away on the 13th of April. According to his family, he passed away peacefully. He has served as DG National Council of Arts and DG Lok Virsa, and he has received Pride of Performance.
Shabbir Rana
On 7th May, senior Pakistani television actor Shabbir Rana passed away. He was sick for many years. He was the father of famous Pakistani YouTuber Azlan Shah. His dramas include Jackson Heights, Ab Kar Meri Rafugari, and Qaid e Tanhai.
Shoaib Hashmi
On 6th May 2023, Pakistani actor, host, writer, and teacher Shoaib Hashmi passed away. In his last days, he was quite sick. His son Adeel Hashmi shared the news of his passing.
Yaqoob Atif
Pani Da Bulbula fame Yaqoob Atif passed away on 12th May. He was a talented veteran Pakistani singer who was famous because of his energetic stage performances.
Aliya Nazir Aka Nickie
On 4th June 2023, designer Aliya Nazir Aka Nickie of the duo Nickie Nina passed away. The reason for Nickiee’s death is still unknown. She passed away at the age of 47.
Yousaf Shakeel
On 29th June 2023, Veteran PTV actor Yousaf Shakeel passed away at the age of 85. He was born on May 29, 1938, Yousaf Shakeel was a brilliant Pakistani television and film actor who acted in numerous hit projects including Uroosa, Uncle Urfi, Aangan Terha, Shehzori, Afshaan, and Ankahi. Shakeel Yousaf’s real name was Yousuf Kamal. He suffered a cardiac arrest.
Alamgir Khan Tareen
Businessman and Multan Sultans owner Alamgir Khan Tareen, brother of Jahangir Tareen, passed away in Lahore in July 2023. He reportedly committed suicide.
Asad Abbas
Coke Studio’s famed singer Asad Abbas passed away on the 15th of August. He was suffering from Kidney failure and had already gone through multiple medical procedures including a kidney transplant. During his last days, he was quite sick. His lever also stopped functioning. Asad Abbas also requested donations in multiple shows.
Akbar Khan
On 22 August, the actor and painter Akbar Khan passed away. He was a talented artist, and painter and had a deep love for sculpting. The reason for his death is still unknown. He was a brilliant Pakistani actor.
Shabbir Mirza
The Guest House famed veteran PTV actor Shabbir Mirza passed away at the start of September 2023, he was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. His condition worsened in his last days.
Sharafat Ali Baloch
In October, 2023 Regional singer Sharafat Ali Baloch lost life in road accident with 6 of his group members. He was returning back from a concert.
Nausheen Masud
Former Pakistani television actress, writer, producer, and host Nausheen Masud, famous for her roles on PTV, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Nisar Qadri
Famous PTV actor Nisar Qadri, known for his portrayal of negative characters, passed away at the age of 82.
