Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself in the middle of a major controversy after his recent remarks about Balochistan triggered outrage in Pakistan. Several media reports claim that the Pakistani government has allegedly placed the actor under the 4th Schedule of its Anti-Terrorism Act (1997), a list meant for individuals suspected of having possible links to extremist activities.
Being included in this list means the person is subject to strict monitoring, restrictions on movement and could face legal action if necessary. The reported decision came after Salman Khan’s comments at the Joy Forum 2025 held in Riyadh, where he appeared with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to discuss the growing influence of Indian cinema in the Middle East.
During the discussion, Salman Khan spoke about the global reach of Indian films and mentioned that people from various countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, work in Saudi Arabia. While speaking generally about the diversity of audiences, he mentioned Balochistan separately from Pakistan, a detail that angered officials in Islamabad, who saw it as a challenge to Pakistan’s territorial integrity.
Here is the video in which you can hear what Salman Khan said:
https://x.com/smitaprakash/status/1979795264182645164
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While the comment upset Pakistan’s authorities, it unexpectedly received praise from Baloch separatist leaders. They interpreted Salman’s words as a rare acknowledgment of their identity and struggle. A prominent Baloch leader named Mir Yar Baloch expressed gratitude, saying that Salman Khan’s remarks had given hope and joy to millions of Baloch people. He viewed the actor’s words as a symbolic act that drew international attention to their cause.
Balochistan, which makes up nearly half of Pakistan’s land area but houses only about six percent of its population, has long faced political instability and economic hardship. Despite being rich in natural resources, the region remains deeply impoverished, with around 70 percent of its residents living below the poverty line. Years of alleged neglect and suppression have fueled resentment and calls for greater autonomy or independence.
As of now, Salman Khan has not made any official statement addressing the controversy. His offhand remark, however, continues to dominate social media discussions, showing how a single comment from a public figure can quickly escalate into an international debate touching on issues of identity, politics and freedom of expression.
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