Salman Khan Placed Under 4th Schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act by Pakistan Post His Comments on Balochistan
In the wake of recent comments made regarding Balochistan at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Bollywood actor Salman Khan has reportedly been placed on the 4th Schedule of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act (1997). This action by the Pakistani government has sparked controversy and drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as justified and others as an overreaction.
The controversy stems from Khan's remarks during a discussion on the growing influence of Indian cinema in the Middle East, where he appeared alongside fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. While discussing the success of Indian films in Saudi Arabia, 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".
Pakistani officials reportedly interpreted Khan's separate mention of Balochistan and Pakistan as a challenge to the country's territorial integrity, leading to his inclusion on the 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. This schedule is typically reserved for individuals suspected of having links to terrorism and carries significant implications, including increased surveillance, travel bans, and potential legal proceedings. A notification purportedly issued by the Balochistan Home Department on October 16, 2025, identifies Khan as an "Azad Balochistan Facilitator".
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by land area, has long been a region of contention. Despite its rich natural resources, the province remains economically underdeveloped, with a large percentage of its population living below the poverty line. Separatist sentiments have been fueled by alleged economic neglect, exploitation of resources, and military crackdowns, leading to ongoing unrest and calls for independence.
Khan's comments have drawn praise from Baloch separatist leaders, who view them as an acknowledgment of their struggle. Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent advocate for Baloch independence, stated that Khan's words had "brought happiness to six crore Baloch people" and described it as "a powerful act of soft diplomacy that strengthens the global awareness of our identity".
The inclusion of Salman Khan on Pakistan's anti-terrorism watchlist has elicited strong reactions on social media and in political circles. Some have criticized the move as an overreach and an infringement on freedom of speech, while others have defended it as necessary to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Khan has yet to release an official statement addressing the backlash.
This incident highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the Balochistan issue and the potential for international celebrities to become entangled in regional conflicts through their public statements. It remains to be seen how this development will impact Khan's career and his relationship with Pakistan, where he has a large fan base. Currently, Salman Khan is involved in projects such as "Battle of Galwan," scheduled for release next year.
