Diwali celebrations in Pakistan were overshadowed by a surprising controversy involving Bollywood icon Salman Khan. A remark made by Khan at the Joy Forum 2025 event in Saudi Arabia has led to a stark division within Pakistan, with Baloch separatists embracing his words and the Pakistani government expressing strong disapproval.
Khan, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, was discussing the success of Indian cinema in Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that many expatriates, including individuals from Balochistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, contribute to the Saudi market. His specific quote, “People from Balochistan, people from Afghanistan, people from Pakistan all work here,” has ignited a firestorm. The Bollywood star’s phrasing, highlighting Balochistan as a distinct origin, has been perceived by many Baloch individuals as a recognition of their separate national identity.
This incident touches upon one of Pakistan’s most contentious issues: the Balochistan conflict. Baloch nationalists have been campaigning for independence from Pakistan, citing grievances over resource exploitation and military repression. Consequently, Salman Khan’s statement has been met with widespread support from the Baloch diaspora, who see it as a beacon of hope and international acknowledgment. Conversely, many Pakistanis have voiced anger and accused Khan of meddling in sensitive internal affairs.
Balochistan, a vast and resource-rich province, has been the site of considerable unrest and attacks against Pakistani security forces. The region’s economic disparity and the ongoing conflict provide crucial context for the intense reactions to Khan’s statement. The social media landscape has become a clear indicator of this division, with Baloch citizens showing solidarity with Khan, while a segment of the Pakistani public expresses strong condemnation.