Renowned Stage Actor and Comedian Asif Iqbal Dies of Heart Attack in Lahore

Renowned Pakistani stage actor and comedian Asif Iqbal, also known as Pheena or Malik Asif Iqbal, has died of a heart attack in Lahore.​

According to family sources, the veteran theatre artist suffered a sudden and severe cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. News of his death on Saturday, September 19, 2026, has caused deep shock and grief across Pakistan’s showbiz and theatre circles.​

Asif Iqbal had a long association with the country’s stage industry. He began his career as an assistant director under renowned actor and director Afzal Ahmad and later worked with theatres including Tamaseel and Alflah in Lahore, making his acting debut around 1996. Over the decades he performed as an actor, director, playwright and producer, becoming known for his spontaneous humour, sharp dialogue delivery and memorable comic roles in numerous Punjabi stage dramas.​

He shared the stage with prominent performers such as Sohail Ahmed, Naseem Vicky, Tariq Teddy, Sardar Kamal and Iftikhar Thakur, helping define a generation of Pakistan’s popular stage-comedy tradition. He also appeared in films including Run Mureed, No Tension, Chal Mera Putt 2, Chal Mera Putt 3 and Drame Aale.​

Fellow artists, fans and showbiz personalities have paid tribute, saying his distinctive style and services to theatre will be remembered. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed sorrow over the loss. Details of the funeral prayers and burial will be announced by the family later.