ISLAMABAD, October 26, 2025—Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reportedly been placed on Pakistan’s anti-terrorism watchlist, a move that comes after comments he made at an international event where he appeared to distinguish Balochistan as a region separate from Pakistan.

Sources indicate that the Pakistani government has included the actor’s name on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997, which lists individuals suspected of having links to terrorism.

The controversy stems from a speech Khan delivered at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was discussing the global reach of Indian cinema. While listing the diverse audiences in the Middle East, Khan stated, “There are people from Balochistan, people from Afghanistan, people from Pakistan… everyone is working here.”

This separate mention of Balochistan—a region facing a long-running separatist movement—was interpreted by Pakistani officials as a challenge to the nation’s territorial integrity.

According to reports circulating on social media, a notification issued on October 16 by the Home Department of the Balochistan government classified Salman Khan as an “Azad Balochistan Facilitator.” While the reports of the notification are widely circulated, an official government confirmation has not yet been issued. Inclusion on the Fourth Schedule subjects an individual to strict surveillance, travel restrictions, and potential legal proceedings.

The actor’s statement, however, was immediately hailed by Baloch separatist leaders. Mir Yar Baloch, a spokesperson for ‘Free Balochistan,’ praised the actor, stating, “Salman’s words brought joy to the six crore Baloch people. By recognizing Balochistan as a separate region, Salman Khan did something many countries hesitate to do. This is a powerful soft diplomacy step that strengthens global awareness of our identity.”

Salman Khan has not yet released an official statement in response to the controversy or his reported inclusion on the anti-terrorism list. The incident highlights the extreme sensitivity of the Balochistan issue within Pakistan’s political landscape.

This article is based on reports from the provided source, which relies on information circulating from the Balochistan government’s Home Department’s purported notification.