This Diwali, the conversation surrounding Salman Khan in Pakistan has shifted dramatically from his usual Eid movie-related discussions. A statement made by the Bollywood star at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh has ignited a significant political debate, pitting segments of the Pakistani population against Baloch activists.
During a panel discussion on the success of Indian films in Saudi Arabia, Khan mentioned the diverse workforce in the kingdom. He stated, ‘Many people from our country have come here. People from Balochistan, people from Afghanistan, people from Pakistan all work here.’ His inclusion of Balochistan in this context, particularly as a distinct group alongside Pakistan and Afghanistan, has drawn intense scrutiny.
The timing and context of Khan’s comment are crucial. Balochistan, the largest and resource-rich province of Pakistan, has been the site of a long-running separatist movement. Baloch leaders and fighters accuse Pakistan of systematic exploitation of their natural wealth and repression of their population. The province has experienced a high volume of attacks on Pakistani military personnel in recent months, highlighting the volatile security situation.
The fallout on social media has been swift and polarized. While many Pakistanis expressed anger and accused Khan of interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs and misunderstanding the situation, a large number of Baloch citizens rallied behind him. They interpreted his words as an implicit recognition of their unique identity and their aspirations for freedom. This divergence in opinion underscores the deep chasm in perceptions regarding Balochistan’s political status and historical grievances.