Mumbai – Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has become the center of a major controversy in Pakistan, facing intense backlash for an alleged remark concerning the sensitive region of Balochistan. The situation has reportedly escalated dramatically, with unconfirmed reports claiming Pakistani authorities have placed the actor on an anti-terror watchlist.
The Comment That Ignited the Firestorm
The controversy began during an international press conference for Khan’s upcoming film. When asked about the role of artists in highlighting human rights issues, Khan reportedly gave a statement that has since been widely condemned in Pakistan. While the exact wording is debated, sources claim he said:
“An artist’s voice must be for the oppressed, wherever they may be. We must feel the pain of people, whether it is in Kashmir or in Balochistan.”
Equating the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir with Pakistan‘s Balochistan province was immediately seen as a hostile and interventionist stance by many in Pakistan. The Balochistan conflict is a highly sensitive internal issue for the Pakistani state, which has often accused India of fueling the insurgency.
Immediate and Fierce Backlash in Pakistan
The reaction across Pakistan was swift and severe. Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags like #BoycottSalmanKhan and #ShameOnSalman. Prominent Pakistani celebrities, journalists, and political figures publicly condemned the actor, accusing him of promoting an Indian state narrative and meddling in Pakistan‘s sovereign affairs.
Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting was quoted by local media, stating, “We will not tolerate any foreign actor using their platform to comment on our internal matters.” Meanwhile, cinema owners’ associations in Karachi and Lahore are reportedly considering a permanent ban on Salman Khan‘s films, a move that could severely impact his box office success in a key overseas market.
Unprecedented Escalation: The Anti-Terror Watchlist Allegation
The most alarming development is the report that Salman Khan has been added to a watchlist maintained by Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). While official confirmation from Islamabad is pending, sources within the security establishment have allegedly told Pakistani media that the actor’s name was included for “promoting secessionist sentiment.”
If true, this would be an unprecedented move, placing a global entertainment icon on a list with individuals suspected of terror financing and extremism. Such a listing would effectively bar him from entering Pakistan and could subject his name to heightened international security checks.
Silence in Mumbai as Fallout Continues
Back in India, Salman Khan‘s team has not issued an official statement, though sources close to the actor insist his words were “grossly taken out of context.” The broader Indian film industry has remained largely silent on the issue.
For years, Salman Khan has been one of the most beloved Indian stars in Pakistan, with his films consistently breaking box office records. This incident, however, has transformed him from a cultural bridge into a symbol of a deep-rooted political conflict, marking a new low in the already fragile cultural ties between the two nations.
