Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, typically associated with Eid releases, has unexpectedly found himself at the center of a Diwali controversy in Pakistan. His film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ is not the cause; rather, a statement made at a recent event in Riyadh has ignited a firestorm. Khan’s comments regarding Balochistan during a discussion on Indian film success in Saudi Arabia have profoundly divided Pakistan, with Baloch activists embracing his words and Islamabad expressing strong displeasure.
During the Joy Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, discussed the thriving Indian film market in the region. He noted the presence of diverse expatriate communities, stating, ‘Many people from our country have come here. People from Balochistan, people from Afghanistan, people from Pakistan all work here.’ This seemingly innocuous remark, particularly his phrasing around Balochistan, has been interpreted by many as recognizing it as a distinct entity, separate from Pakistan.
The statement has struck a particularly sensitive chord in Pakistan due to the long-standing conflict in Balochistan. The region, Pakistan’s largest province by area yet home to a small percentage of its population, is rich in natural resources. Baloch separatists have been engaged in an ongoing struggle for independence, accusing the Pakistani military of exploiting their land’s wealth and oppressing its people. Since the start of the year, hundreds of attacks have targeted the Pakistani army in Balochistan, resulting in numerous casualties.
While a segment of Pakistani social media users reacted with anger, accusing Khan of meddling in sensitive internal affairs, the response from Baloch citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many Baloch individuals took to social media to express their gratitude to Salman Khan, viewing his statement as an acknowledgment of their distinct identity and aspirations for self-determination. This reaction highlights the deep societal and political divisions within Pakistan, amplified by an unexpected comment from a global Bollywood icon.