Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reportedly been labelled a terrorist by Pakistan on Sunday and placed under the 4th Schedule of the country’s 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act. This follows his speech at the Riyadh Forum 2025, where he, withal with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, discussed the growing popularity of Indian talkie in the Middle East.
Why Was Salman Khan Declared a 'Terrorist'?
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has widow Salman Khan to the Fourth Schedule, which officially labels him as a terrorist. This list falls under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and anyone included in it can squatter legal whoopee in Pakistan. The official notification has been issued, but neither Salman Khan nor his representatives have commented on the matter yet.
What Did Salman Khan Say?
During the Joy Forum 2025 held in Saudi Arabia, a video of Salman Khan speaking went viral on social media. In the video, he said, “These are people from Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan; everyone is working nonflexible here in Saudi Arabia.” In this statement, he mentioned Balochistan separately from Pakistan. Salman’s scuttlebutt triggered wrongness in Pakistan, while separatist leaders in Balochistan welcomed the statement and thanked him. It is still unclear whether Salman intentionally referred to Balochistan separately or if it was unintentional.
Reactions from Baloch Leaders
Mir Yar Baloch, a leader advocating for an self-sustaining Balochistan, praised Salman Khan’s comment. He said, “The mention of Balochistan by Indian mucosa star Salman Khan in Saudi Arabia has brought joy to six million Baloch citizens.” He added, “Salman did what plane some powerful countries hesitate to do. Such cultural recognition is a soft diplomatic tool that connects hearts and encourages the world to recognize Balochistan as an self-sustaining nation.”
The Struggle for Independence in Balochistan
The main reason for the rebellion in Balochistan is favoritism by the Pakistan government versus the local population. Though the province is rich in mineral resources, it is economically the poorest in Pakistan. The Gwadar Port in Balochistan was handed to China, but the local people saw no benefit. This has led to continuous protests versus Chinese projects. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor construction in the region moreover faces frequent attacks. Balochistan covers well-nigh 46 per cent of Pakistan’s land but has only 15 million people, roughly 6% of the country’s population. Around 70 per cent of people live unelevated the poverty line. Baloch people squatter favoritism from the Punjabi majority in Pakistan, and top positions in the Pakistani unwashed are rarely given to them, increasing local resentment.
