Salman Khan Declared “Terrorist” by Pakistan After Controversial Balochistan Comment in Saudi Arabia

Published on: 26 Oct 2025 at 01:11 PM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Salman Khan Declared “Terrorist” by Pakistan After Controversial Balochistan Comment in Saudi Arabia

In a shocking diplomatic twist, Pakistan has officially declared Bollywood actor Salman Khan a “terrorist” following his recent remarks in Saudi Arabia. The move comes after Khan, while addressing an event in Riyadh, referred to Balochistan as a “separate country.” The statement reportedly infuriated the Shehbaz Sharif government, prompting the Interior Ministry of Pakistan to issue a formal notification under its Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to reports, Salman Khan’s name has been placed under the “Fourth Schedule” of Pakistan’s anti-terror laws — a list that includes individuals suspected of extremist or anti-state activities. This designation allows Pakistani authorities to monitor his movements, financial activities, and communications.

So far, neither Salman Khan nor his representatives have issued any official response to the Pakistani government’s action.

What Did Salman Khan Say?

During a cultural event in Saudi Arabia, Khan stated:

“These are people from Balochistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan — all working hard here in Saudi Arabia.”

While the remark appeared to be a casual acknowledgment of expatriate workers, Pakistani authorities interpreted it as an implicit recognition of Balochistan as an independent entity.

Why the Statement Angered Pakistan

Balochistan has long been a region of unrest, with separatist movements seeking independence from Pakistan. The Pakistani military has been accused by human rights groups of crackdowns and atrocities in the province. Khan’s comment, therefore, was seen as politically charged and damaging to Pakistan’s narrative on national unity.

Official Action by Pakistan

The Interior Ministry confirmed in a statement that Salman Khan’s inclusion in the Fourth Schedule was approved under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) Section 11E, which pertains to individuals suspected of “promoting or glorifying activities against the state.”

Pakistani media outlets have amplified the issue, accusing the Indian superstar of “supporting separatism and destabilizing Pakistan’s sovereignty.”

India Yet to Respond

As of now, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not released any statement on the matter. However, the incident is likely to add tension to already fragile India–Pakistan cultural relations, particularly given Khan’s international stature and global fanbase.