Karachi — Social media was abuzz this week with claims that the Balochistan government had placed Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Pakistan’s Fourth Schedule — a list of individuals under watch for alleged links to terrorism or extremism. However, multiple official and media sources have confirmed that the claim is completely false.
The Viral Claim
A document circulating online claimed that Salman Khan was designated as an “Azad Balochistan Facilitator” by the Balochistan Home Department and added to the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997. The supposed notification carried a date of October 16, 2025, and cited Khan’s recent remarks at a public event in Riyadh, where he mentioned Balochistan separately from Pakistan.
The fake document quickly went viral on social media platforms, with some users alleging that Pakistani authorities had taken “action” against the actor.
What the Fact-Check Found
Investigations by BOOM, Factly, and iVerify Pakistan, as well as local news outlets including Dawn and The Express Tribune, found no evidence to support the claim.
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The document contains numerous errors — including misspellings (“committes,” “affilisted”) and an invalid CNIC number that does not match Pakistan’s official identity format.
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The date on the notice predates the Riyadh event where Salman Khan made his comment, suggesting fabrication.
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No official notification appears on the websites or gazettes of the Balochistan Home Department, Interior Ministry, or NACTA (National Counter Terrorism Authority).
Official Response
On October 26, 2025, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed the viral claim, calling it “baseless and fabricated.”
“There is no such notification issued by any federal or provincial authority regarding Mr. Salman Khan,” the ministry stated. “The document in circulation is fake and should be disregarded.”
Indian media outlets, including ABP Live and Moneycontrol, also verified that the claim was false and confirmed that no Pakistani authority had placed Salman Khan on any watchlist.
What Is the Fourth Schedule?
The Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 lists individuals suspected of involvement in or support for terrorist activities. Those listed face restrictions on movement, banking, and arms possession. It is used primarily for domestic security monitoring, not for foreign nationals.
Verdict: False
No official Pakistani record, gazette, or authority supports the claim that Salman Khan was added to the Fourth Schedule. The viral document is fake, misleading, and fabricated.
Bottom line: Salman Khan has not been added to any terror watchlist or the Fourth Schedule by the Balochistan government. The claim circulating online is completely false.
