ISLAMABAD: Pakistani singer Haniya Aslam, one half of the popular musical duo “Zeb and Haniya,” passed away reportedly due to cardiac arrest on Sunday, inviting tributes from singers, actors and sports personalities across the country who were familiar with her music.
Aslam, whose family hails from Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, rose to prominence as a member of Zeb and Haniya, a musical duo she formed with her cousin Zebunnisa Bangash in 2007. The duo released their highly anticipated debut album titled “Chup” in 2008 to critical acclaim and later, featured in multiple appearances on the popular Pakistani music television show, Coke Studio, in 2009 and 2010.
Some of the duo’s popular songs include Bibi Sanam, Paimona and Chal Diye.
As news broke of Aslam’s passing on Monday, several Pakistanis took to social media to express their shock and grief at the news.
“Can’t believe I’m writing this,” Pakistani actor Osman Khalid Butt wrote on social media platform X. “Thank you for the music, Haniya Aslam.”
In a post shared on Monday morning, Bangash shared an old picture of Haniya, and wrote “Hanini” in the caption as a tribute to her.
Celebrated Indian singer, lyricist and screenwriter Swanand Kirkire paid tribute to Aslam on social media, describing her as his “dear friend.”
“My dear friend Haniya Aslam ( from Zeb and Haniya ) has left us,” he wrote on X. “She had a cardiac arrest. Rest in peace dear Haniya.”
Pakistani journalist Rafay Mahmood spoke highly of Aslam, crediting her with being part of a prominent girl band at a time when boy bands were all the rage in the country.
“Beyond Zeb & Haniya she was also a solo music producer in a generation of male producers, later also made film music,” Mahmood wrote. “All exceptional feats!“
Actor and video jockey Dino Ali described Aslam as a “sweet and brilliant talent” in an Instagram post.
“I’m so sorry for your loss and pray that Allah Pak gives you and the family sabr (patience) during this difficult time,” he wrote to Bangash on Instagram.
Pakistani hairdresser and celebrity wardrobe stylist Tariq Amin reacted by saying he was at a loss for words after hearing the sad news.
“[She] will always have a place in my heart,” he wrote. “Now we know an angel we can call by name... Rest in peace sweet Haniya,” he added.
Aslam was born in Karachi and pursued her education in the USA and UK. She left the group in 2013 to go to Canada, where she completed a diploma in Audio Engineering.
