Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Bollywood icon Salman Khan has sparked global controversy after remarks made at a recent international event reportedly led the Pakistani government to list him under the 4th Schedule of its Anti-Terrorism Act (1997), a designation typically reserved for individuals suspected of terrorist affiliations.

The firestorm began at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Salman, alongside other Bollywood stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, discussed Indian cinema's booming popularity in the Middle East.

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 While illustrating the diverse audiences in Saudi Arabia, the actor stated, "Right now, if you make a Hindi film and release it here, it will be a superhit. If you make a Tamil, Telugu and 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." 

This seemingly innocuous comment, by listing Balochistan separately from Pakistan, was interpreted in Islamabad as a challenge to the nation's territorial integrity. In a drastic response, Pakistani authorities have allegedly placed the actor under the 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (1997). This designation, typically for individuals suspected of terror links, entails close monitoring, movement restrictions, and potential legal action.

Conversely, the remark has been hailed by Baloch separatist leaders. Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent independence advocate, thanked Salman, saying his words "brought happiness to six crore Baloch people." He framed it as a powerful act of strong diplomacy that strengthens global awareness of their distinct identity.

This incident highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, which has struggled with poverty and a separatist insurgency fuelled by grievances of economic neglect and exploitation for decades.

The actor has yet to publicly address the issue as the debate rages on social media and in diplomatic circles.