Salman Khan declared as terrorist by Pakistan over his Balochistan comment at Joy Forum 2025

Salman Khan declared as terrorist by Pakistan because of his Balochistan comment

Salman Khan has sparked a major controversy following his recent remarks about Balochistan, which reportedly triggered outrage in Pakistan. Reports claim that the Pakistani government has placed Salman under the 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (1997), a list typically reserved for individuals suspected of having links to terrorism.

This can be seen in a notification issued by Government of Balochistan Home Department dated 16th October, 2025 (subject to verification) where the reason mentioned is that Salman is an 'Azad Balochistan Facilitator'.

Being included on the 4th Schedule carries significant implications, including heightened monitoring, restrictions on movement, and potential legal action. The decision comes after Salman made the remarks during the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, where he appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to discuss the growing influence of Indian cinema in the Middle East.

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."

I don’t know if it was slip of tongue, but this is amazing! Salman Khan separates “people of Balochistan” from “people of Pakistan” .
pic.twitter.com/dFNKOBKoEz

— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) October 19, 2025

Officials in Islamabad were reportedly angered by the comment, interpreting the separate mention of Balochistan and Pakistan as a challenge to the country’s territorial integrity.

On the other hand, Salman’s remark has drawn praise from Baloch separatist leaders, who view it as an acknowledgment of their struggles. Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent advocate for Baloch independence, stated that Salman’s words had “brought happiness to six crore Baloch people. By recognising Balochistan as distinct, Salman Khan has done what many nations hesitate to do. It’s a powerful act of soft diplomacy that strengthens the global awareness of our identity."

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The context of Balochistan adds weight to the controversy. Although Pakistan’s largest province by land area, Balochistan is home to only 6% of the country’s population.

The region, despite its natural resource wealth, remains economically underdeveloped, with nearly 70% of residents living below the poverty line.

Salman Khan has not yet released an official statement addressing the backlash.

On the work front, Salman Khan was last seen in Sikandar. He is currently working on Battle of Galwan slated to release next year.