Salman Khan’s name is resonating across social media platforms this Diwali, not for a film release, but for a statement that has acutely divided Pakistan. The Bollywood icon, speaking at the Joy Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia alongside industry peers Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, commented on the influx of expatriates working in the kingdom, including those from Balochistan.
Khan’s observation that ‘People from Balochistan, people from Afghanistan, people from Pakistan all work here’ has been interpreted by many, especially in the Baloch community, as a subtle but significant recognition of Balochistan as a separate entity. This interpretation has sparked outrage in Islamabad and celebrations among Baloch freedom fighters.
The controversy is deeply rooted in the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by landmass. Baloch activists have long accused Pakistan of resource exploitation and political subjugation. The region is a hotbed of separatist activity, with numerous attacks targeting Pakistani security forces reported throughout the year, indicating a severe and ongoing insurgency.
While some Pakistani social media users vehemently criticized Khan, accusing him of ignorance regarding the complexities of the Balochistan issue, the reaction from Baloch citizens has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many thanked Khan for his statement, seeing it as a crucial step towards acknowledging their distinct identity and their fight for independence from what they term Pakistani occupation. The stark contrast in online reactions clearly delineates the fractured perspectives on the contentious Balochistan issue.