Pakistan labels Salman Khan ‘Terrorist’ following his Balochistan comment at Joy Forum 2025

A casual mention of “Balochistan” during a global film forum has landed Salman Khan in political trouble across the border, sparking outrage from Pakistan and support from Baloch leaders.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is under fire from the Pakistani government after his recent statement referring to Balochistan and Pakistan as separate entities. Reports suggest the government has added his name to the 4th Schedule of Pakistan’s 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act, a list reserved for individuals suspected of terror links or anti-state sentiments.

Being on this list means strict surveillance, movement restrictions, and potential legal action against the person. While this development has shocked fans across borders, it stems from comments made during an event in Saudi Arabia.

What did Salman say?

The controversy began when Salman attended Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. The trio discussed the global reach of Indian cinema and its growing popularity in the Middle East.

During the discussion, Salman remarked, “Right now, if you make a Hindi film and release it here (in Saudi Arabia), it will be a superhit. If you make a Tamil, Telugu, or Malayali film, it will do hundreds of crores in business because so many people from other countries have come here. There are people from Balochistan, there are people from Afghanistan, there are people from Pakistan… everyone is working here.”

The remark may have sounded casual, but separating “Balochistan” from “Pakistan” did not sit well with the Pakistan government, which viewed it as a challenge to its territorial integrity.

Baloch leaders applaud Salman Khan

While Pakistan reacted harshly, Baloch separatist leaders expressed gratitude toward the actor. Mir Yar Baloch, a leading voice for Baloch independence, publicly thanked Salman, saying his acknowledgement brought happiness to over six crore Baloch people.

He called it an act of “soft diplomacy,” adding that the star had done something even major global powers shy away from, recognising Balochistan as distinct. “Salman Khan has done what many nations hesitate to do. His words have brought our struggle to international attention,” he stated.

Why is Balochistan so sensitive?

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area (46% of the country) but home to only 6% of its population (around 1.5 crore people), has long been a site of political unrest. Despite being rich in natural resources like gas, coal, and minerals, it remains the most underdeveloped region in Pakistan.

Nearly 70% of its population lives below the poverty line, and the province has seen decades of insurgency and conflict between separatist groups and the Pakista army. Hence, any international recognition or even mention of Balochistan as a distinct entity often sparks controversy.

Salman Khan has not yet released an official statement addressing the matter. While fans in India have largely dismissed the controversy as overblown, Pakistan’s response shows how sensitive the issue remains.

Meanwhile, Baloch activists continue to hail the actor for giving their cause global attention, even if unintentionally.

Highlights:

1. Salman Khan added to Pakistan’s anti-terror watchlist after Balochistan remark.
2. His statement at Joy Forum 2025 mentioned “Balochistan” separately from Pakistan.
3. Baloch leaders praised Salman for “soft diplomacy” and global recognition.