Protests have intensified across India following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Indian communities abroad have echoed these sentiments, staging demonstrations in major cities. One such protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London has drawn global attention, but for all the wrong reasons.
During a peaceful gathering of Indian-origin demonstrators outside the High Commission, Pakistani Defence Attaché Taimur Rahat allegedly stepped out of the building and made an alarming gesture towards the crowd.
Witnesses claim he mimicked a throat-slitting motion, a move that instantly escalated tensions at the scene.
Video footage of the incident quickly surfaced online, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. The short clip, now viral, has attracted strong condemnation. Protesters and onlookers alike accuse Taimur Rahat of attempting to intimidate and provoke the demonstrators.
“His behaviour was shocking and absolutely unacceptable,” one protester remarked. The outrage has not been limited to London. Human rights groups and diaspora organisations have also voiced their disapproval, demanding swift action.
Pakistani diplomat makes a threatening gesture to protesting Indian diaspora in London. #Indians staged protest against #PahalgamTerroristAttack #PahalgamTerrorAttack #pahalgamattack outside Pakistan embassy in london. pic.twitter.com/zdR5aS9pbN
— Amandeep Dixit (@dixit_aman) April 26, 2025
This is not the first time Taimur Rahat has faced criticism. Back in 2019, during the aftermath of Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s capture in Pakistan, Rahat was allegedly seen displaying a poster that mocked the Indian pilot.
“It shows a pattern of behaviour that is deeply troubling,” said an activist present at the protest. Critics argue that Rahat’s repeated misconduct tarnishes the diplomatic decorum expected of someone in his position.
Diplomatic circles and public figures have strongly condemned the incident. Many are calling for Taimur Rahat’s immediate recall, insisting that his actions have brought disrepute to diplomatic norms.
“Such threatening gestures have no place in international diplomacy,” one former ambassador stated.
The incident outside the Pakistan High Commission has reignited debates about diplomatic conduct and the fragile relations between communities abroad. With footage widely circulating and criticism mounting, pressure is building on Pakistan to respond decisively.
