Salman Khan Faces Backlash for Referring to Balochistan & Pakistan Separately
As of now, Salman Khan has not issued any clarification or response to the backlash.
Riyadh / Mumbai — Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has sparked controversy across social media platforms after a recent remark made during a media interaction in Saudi Arabia, in which he appeared to refer to Balochistan and Pakistan as separate entities.
The comment came during a public interaction as part of a high-profile tour in the Kingdom, where Salman Khan is currently traveling alongside fellow Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. The trio, often dubbed the “Three Khans of Bollywood,” is holding a series of fan meet-ups and media sessions across Saudi Arabia, drawing large crowds from the South Asian and Arab diaspora.
The Controversial Remark
While addressing the audience and media, Salman Khan said:
“So many people come here (to Saudi Arabia) from our places, including Balochistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.”
The phrasing immediately caught attention, not just for omitting any mention of India, but for listing Balochistan separately from Pakistan, a point many Pakistani social media users interpreted as a politically sensitive misstep.
Social Media Outrage
The statement quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where Salman Khan faced strong backlash from Pakistani users who accused him of misrepresenting Pakistan’s territorial integrity.
One user wrote:
“He might be saying this only to confirm his loyalty towards India. Like all other Muslim actors, to live in India peacefully, they need to show they are secular and politically anti-Pakistan.”
Another user commented sarcastically:
“Balochistan? Just like he has fans in Khalistan, Hindustan, and Afghanistan.”
Many criticized Salman Khan for being careless or politically motivated, with comments such as:
“He knew exactly what he was saying,”
and
“This is what happens when you’re a Bollywood star but remain uneducated.”
Some users even linked the remark to broader geopolitical tensions, suggesting the actor was subtly aligning with anti-Pakistan narratives. One user wrote:
“They have the pain of Khalistan, which made them speak like this.”
Another bluntly added:
“The reason for his flop movies is this mentality. Sick.”
No Official Response Yet
As of now, Salman Khan has not issued any clarification or response to the backlash. Neither his team nor the event organizers have commented on the incident, although the growing social media storm may compel a formal statement in the coming days.
The tour, which has been celebrated for its star power and global outreach, has now found itself overshadowed by the controversy. With fans across borders watching closely, the remarks — whether intentional or a slip — have added a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to what was intended as a cultural celebration.
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