Haniya Aslam, the renowned Pakistani musician and member of the band Zeb-Haniya, passed away on Sunday, August 11, at the age of 39 due to a cardiac arrest. Her cousin and former bandmate, Zeb Bangash, confirmed the tragic news through a poignant social media post, sharing a nostalgic photo of Haniya with a simple yet touching caption: “Hanini.”
Haniya Aslam was celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the music industry. She and Zeb Bangash formed the influential band Zeb and Haniya, known for their unique sound and memorable performances. The duo gained widespread recognition for their hit song “Chal Diye” on Pakistan’s Coke Studio. In 2014, Haniya relocated to Canada to further her solo music career. Her work extended beyond performance; she was a sound designer for the 2016 Pakistani short film ‘Lala Begum’ and composed music for the romantic film ‘Dobara Phir Se.’
The news of Haniya’s passing has deeply shocked and saddened the music community. Notable figures, including music composer and singer Swanand Kirkire, expressed their grief online. Kirkire shared screenshots of their final conversation, underscoring the profound impact Haniya had on those around her.
In addition to her musical achievements, Haniya Aslam played a crucial role in representing contemporary Pakistani youth music on the global stage and co-authored a significant book about the subject. Her legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations of musicians.