A peaceful demonstration took a disturbing turn on Friday in the UK. The protest was held by over 500 members of the Indian and Jewish communities outside the Pakistan High Commission in London. However, tensions escalated when Colonel Taimur Rahat, a senior official with the Pakistan Army stationed at the embassy, was caught on camera making provocative gestures.
The Pakistani official made a throat-slitting gesture directed at the Pahalgam attack protestors. The members of the Indian diaspora organized the protest in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of over 26 tourists. Among which 25 were Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The tourists were brutally killed during a trip to Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam which is considered as mini Switzerland .
Viral Video Sparks Global Outrage
Meanwhile the video of Colonel Rahat’s threatening gesture, made while holding a placard of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, quickly went viral. The group Captain Abhinandan, a national hero, had previously been captured and released by Pakistan in 2019, making the gesture particularly inflammatory.
#BREAKING: Pakistan Army Defence Attache in London gestures towards Indian protestors to slit their throat publicly. This is Colonel Taimur Rahat of Pakistan Army, Air and Army Attache at Pakistan’s Mission in UK. No difference between a thug illiterate terrorist at this coward. pic.twitter.com/eZdRxqBN4q
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) April 25, 2025
The video has prompted outrage across social media platforms. The social media users labeled the act as “sick,” “disgusting” and a “stark reminder of the lack of civility among Pakistan’s military and diplomatic figures.” Condemning the alleged action, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh warned Pakistan to “save your necks first.”
“What else can Pakistan even do?…An apocalypse is hovering over your head… Yet you are threatening to behead innocent people… Those who were threatening outside the embassy, you will be identified one by one. You will be held accountable in England, too. Be careful,” he told news agency ANI
Protestors Demand Accountability from Pakistan and the UK
Amidst the escalating tensions the participants in the protest held placards denouncing terrorism. The demonstrators accused Pakistan of harboring militant groups. Organizers condemned the Pakistani High Commission for its insensitive behavior and inappropriate gestures made during the protest.
This also includes playing loud celebratory music during the protest. “The embassy’s actions were tone-deaf and disgraceful,” said one of the protest organizers. The protestors further called for the UK government to summon Pakistan’s High Commissioner and demand an explanation.
Jewish Community Joins in Solidarity
Along with the Indian diaspora the members of London’s Jewish community joined the protest in solidarity. They draw parallels between the Pahalgam killings and the Hamas terror attack in Israel in October 2023. One such Indo-Jewish participant shared his personal experience with terrorism. He said, “We face the same enemy: Islamist radicalisation. We stand with India.”
India Responds With Diplomatic Action
Furthermore, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India has implemented a series of diplomatic and policy measures.
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Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
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Attari Border Check Post Shut Down
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SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistan Cancelled
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Military Advisors Expelled, Reciprocal Withdrawal
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High Commission Staff Reduced