Pakistan Labels Salman Khan a Terrorist After His Balochistan Remark at Riyadh Forum

Pakistan Declares Salman Khan a Terrorist Following His Controversial Balochistan Remark At Riyadh Forum 2025 Discussion

Salman Khan’s Controversial Comment Sparks Diplomatic Firestorm

Bollywood icon Salman Khan has found himself in the middle of a heated international controversy after his statement about Balochistan at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh led Pakistan to take drastic measures. The Pakistani government reportedly placed him under the 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (1997), a category meant for individuals suspected of ties to terrorism. This move has shocked the entertainment world and triggered an intense debate about freedom of expression and geopolitical sensitivity.
According to media outlets, the decision was made after Salman Khan’s remark where he appeared to mention Balochistan and Pakistan as separate entities while speaking about the diverse population working in Saudi Arabia. The actor was part of a panel discussion with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, focusing on Indian cinema’s growing impact in the Middle East. His words, though seemingly casual, were enough to anger officials in Islamabad who interpreted them as a challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty.

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What Did Salman Khan Actually Say?

During the conversation, Salman Khan stated, “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.”
This statement, separating Balochistan from Pakistan, was enough to spark outrage across the border. Pakistani media labeled it an “irresponsible comment” that disrespected the nation’s territorial unity. Soon after, reports emerged that Salman Khan was being monitored under the 4th Schedule — a status that can limit travel and invite further legal scrutiny.

Support from Baloch Separatists

While Pakistan condemned Salman Khan, his remark unexpectedly drew praise from Baloch separatist leaders. Mir Yar Baloch, a leading advocate for Baloch independence, publicly thanked the actor, stating that his acknowledgment “brought happiness to six crore Baloch people.”
According to Mir Yar Baloch, the actor’s recognition of Balochistan as distinct was more than a casual slip — it was a “powerful act of soft diplomacy” that brought international attention to their long-standing struggle for recognition and autonomy. The statement reignited global discussions about the Baloch cause, making Salman Khan’s words a matter of political symbolism rather than mere celebrity chatter.

Understanding the Balochistan Issue

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area, accounts for 46% of the country’s territory but only 6% of its population. Despite its wealth in natural gas, minerals, and coastal access, it remains one of the most underdeveloped and politically sensitive regions. Nearly 70% of its residents live below the poverty line, and decades of economic neglect, resource exploitation, and military crackdowns have fueled separatist movements seeking independence.
The conflict between Baloch nationalist groups and the Pakistani government has resulted in thousands of casualties and ongoing instability. This complex backdrop makes any mention of Balochistan’s autonomy — even in an apolitical setting like a film forum — a potential diplomatic flashpoint.

Social Media Reaction and Global Debate

Salman Khan’s Balochistan Remark At Riyadh Forum quickly dominated headlines across India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Hashtags such as #SalmanKhanBalochistan and #RiyadhForum2025 trended on X (formerly Twitter), with users debating whether his words were innocent or intentionally provocative. Some fans defended the actor, arguing that he was merely acknowledging the multicultural workforce in Saudi Arabia, while others criticized him for being careless in a politically charged context.
In India, many celebrities and commentators have refrained from making direct statements, but fans have flooded social media with messages of support, emphasizing Salman’s apolitical persona and charitable work through his Being Human foundation.

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Salman Khan’s Silence and the Road Ahead

As of now, Salman Khan has not issued any official clarification regarding his remark or Pakistan’s response. His team has reportedly chosen to stay silent amid the controversy. Industry insiders suggest that the actor may release a statement soon to clarify the context of his words and prevent further diplomatic escalation.
Meanwhile, analysts believe this incident demonstrates how celebrity influence can unintentionally intersect with international politics. A single remark, especially in a global forum like Riyadh, can reshape narratives and provoke reactions beyond entertainment. For Salman Khan, whose films have massive fan bases across Pakistan and the Middle East, this controversy might temporarily strain cross-border cultural exchanges.
Whether Pakistan’s move to label him under its Anti-Terrorism Act holds any legal ground remains uncertain, but the debate around Salman Khan’s Balochistan Remark At Riyadh Forum underscores how powerful — and perilous — public statements can become in a politically divided world.

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