Riyadh: A comment on Balochistan by Bollywood actor Salman Khan at an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has sparked off a major debate on social media.
Salman, while speaking at the Joy Forum 2025 described the diverse South Asian communities working in the Middle East and mentioned Balochistan as a distinct nation. Actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were also present on the dais at that time.
“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.”
The comment was shared widely on social media, prompting debate on whether it was a slip or carried a deeper meaning. Some users questioned his intent, while others saw significance in the separation.
“I don’t know if it was slip of tongue, but this is amazing! Salman Khan separates ‘people of Balochistan’ from ‘people of Pakistan’,” journalist Smita Prakash posted on X.
“Slip of tongue from Salman Khan or lack of knowledge or deliberate hint that Balochistan is ‘independent’? That too with Aamir Khan & SRK on dias,” another user posted.
Many users wondered whether Salman’s statement was a result of unfamiliarity, a genuine error, or an intentional nod to ongoing discussions about Balochistan’s status. Some believed it showed a lack of knowledge, while others read it as recognition of Balochistan’s distinct identity. The phrase was seen as particularly notable given the presence of other prominent Bollywood figures at the event.
The actor received support from Balochs who posted that his comment reflected awareness of Balochistan’s unique regional identity.
“When @BeingSalmanKhan said ‘Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan…’ – it speaks volumes. Balochistan is not a Pakistani province – it’s a nation. Baloch is our identity and our state,’ highlighting the longstanding cultural and ethnic distinctions of the Baloch people,” a user wrote.
“Even Salman Khan admitted that Balochistan is a separate country,” another user posted.
His comment will certainly not be liked by Pakistan where Salman has a huge fan following. Pakistan has often blamed India for supporting Balochistan’s efforts to gain independence.
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province and has experienced a lengthy history of unrest with aspirations for greater autonomy. Many in the region continue to identify themselves as distinct from other ethnic groups in Pakistan.
There are regular skirmishes between Baloch fighters and Pakistani security forces, resulting in casualties to both sides.
The region is of strategic importance for Pakistan as it has the Gwadar port and plays a m role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Balochistan also produces a significant share of Pakistan’s gas and sits near the Gulf of Oman. The Balochs claim that despite the region’s importance, it has been neglected by the government.