Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a single remark at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While speaking alongside industry giants Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, Salman referenced expatriate communities in the Middle East, stating, "There are people from Balochistan, there are people from Afghanistan, there are people from Pakistan... everyone is working here." The comment, which appeared to distinguish Balochistan from Pakistan, has gone viral, sparking heated debates across social media platforms.

The clip, widely shared on X, has fueled speculation about whether Salman's phrasing was a deliberate nod to Balochistan's distinct identity or an innocent slip of the tongue. Journalist Smita Prakash posted, "I don't know if it was slip of tongue, but this is amazing! Salman Khan separates 'people of Balochistan' from 'people of Pakistan'." Another user questioned, "Slip of tongue from Salman Khan or deliberate hint that Balochistan is 'independent'?"

Supporters of the actor argue that his comment reflects an awareness of regional identities. X user Jasmin Ahmed wrote, "When @BeingSalmanKhan said 'Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan...' - it speaks volumes. Balochistan is not a Pakistani province - it's a nation." Similarly, Jabir Baloch declared, "Even Salman Khan admitted that Balochistan is a separate country." Others, however, urged restraint, with one user commenting, "We really shouldn't expect geopolitical precision from Bollywood."

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Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is a critical hub for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, home to the strategic Gwadar port and significant gas reserves. Despite its importance, the region has faced neglect from Pakistan's central leadership, fueling a long-standing independence movement. The Baloch people, ethnically distinct from Pakistan's dominant Punjabis and Sindhis, have been embroiled in an insurgency since the region's accession to Pakistan in 1948. The area spans parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, with ongoing tensions targeting Pakistani forces and foreign projects.

As the online debate rages, Salman Khan and his team have yet to address the controversy, leaving fans and critics alike to dissect the actor's words.

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