Bollywood icon Salman Khan is back in the spotlight, this time due to reports suggesting that the Pakistani government has labeled him a “terrorist.” This controversy arose from remarks he made at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, where he referenced “people from Balochistan … Pakistan” while discussing the contributions of South Asian workers in the Middle East.
What Happened?
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During the event, where he shared the stage with fellow stars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, Salman stated:
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A notification, dated 16 October 2025, claiming Salman had been placed under the “Fourth Schedule” of Pakistan’s Anti‑Terrorism Act 1997 surfaced online. The document labelled him “Azad Balochistan Facilitator.”
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However, no official Pakistani government source has verified the document or Salman’s inclusion on any terror list. Pakistani agencies have issued fact-checks calling the viral document fake.
📌 Why the Reaction?
The strong backlash is tied to Pakistan’s sensitive stance on the province of Balochistan, where separatist movements have challenged Islamabad’s territorial integrity for years. Salman’s separate mention of Balochistan stirred nationalist outrage in Pakistan.
✅ What’s the Current Status?
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Salman’s team has yet to make a formal public comment on the matter.
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Multiple independent fact-checkers and news outlets indicate that the notice is likely fabricated and should be treated as misinformation unless Pakistan produces an authentic gazette.
🧭 Why This Matters for India -Pakistan Relations
While the claim targets a film star, it reflects broader dynamics: cross-border cultural influence, politics of regional identity (especially Balochistan), and how easily celebrity remarks can escalate into diplomatic flashpoints.
Takeaway
The claim that Salman Khan has been officially declared a terrorist by Pakistan remains unverified and likely false. For now, this appears to be one of those viral controversies where a misinterpreted remark plus a doctored document spark major online reaction—not a confirmed government action.
