Tensions flared dramatically outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on April 26, after a peaceful protest by Indian and Jewish communities was marred by the aggressive actions of a senior Pakistani military officer, casting a shadow over the otherwise solemn demonstration.
The protest had been organised to condemn the brutal April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26tourists, mostly Hindus, including one Nepali national. The demonstration, attended by over 500 participants, including members of the Indian diaspora and the Jewish community in the United Kingdom, aimed to highlight Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups and to demand justice for the victims.
Pakistani colonel’s threatening gesture sparks outrage
What began as a peaceful protest took a deeply disturbing turn when Colonel Taimur Rahat, the Pakistan Army and Air Advisor posted in London, was caught on camera making a throat-slitting gesture aimed at the demonstrators. In widely circulated footage, Rahat is seen brandishing a placard bearing the image of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman while drawing his hand across his throat, a gesture universally recognised as a death threat.
The video, once shared on social media, ignited widespread outrage and condemnation from community leaders, protest organisers, and the general public. One of the protest organisers remarked sharply, “This is not just insensitivity, it is provocation. If Pakistan cannot condemn terror, they are complicit in it.”
Adding context to the gesture, a user on X (formerly Twitter) observed, “The throat-slitting gesture is a stark reminder of the lack of civility among Pakistan’s military and diplomatic figures. This is not just an isolated act; it mirrors the oppressive tactics used against peaceful protesters in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances and violence are rampant.”
How the protest unfolded: Unity, grief, and determination
The protest outside the Pakistan High Commission saw a significant turnout, with demonstrators carrying Indian flags, banners, and placards bearing messages such as “Stop Cross-Border Terrorism,” “Justice for Pahalgam Victims,” and “I am Hindu.” The air resonated with powerful chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Pakistan Murdabad,” as participants called for an end to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
The mood among the demonstrators was a blend of solemnity and determination. A moment of silence was observed to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which many described as the deadliest assault in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama bombing of 2019.
Speaking to ANI, one protester voiced the collective grief and anger, saying, “They (Pakistan) have nurtured a terror factory, and because of which our 26 people were killed in Pahalgam. We have gathered to protest against it.”
Many carried placards denouncing terrorism and emphasising the need for global accountability to end cross-border violence.
Strong Indo-Jewish solidarity on display
One of the most striking aspects of the protest was the visible solidarity between Indian and Jewish communities. Numerous Jewish participants joined the demonstration, drawing parallels between their own historical experiences with terrorism and India’s ongoing challenges.
An Indo-Jewish protester shared with ANI, “We support India because we face the same enemy: Islamist radicalisation. What happened in Pahalgam reminded us of the Hamas attack on Israel.”
Recalling his own harrowing experience, he added, “I was caught in a bomb blast in Bombay in the 90s. I escaped, but I know from personal experience how a bomb or a terrorist activity could affect people. We are here and we will always be together.”
Expressing admiration for India’s leadership, he stated, “PM Modi is doing great work, and I hope he does something to stop this terrorism.”
Pakistan High Commission’s conduct under fire
Further aggravating tensions during the protest was the conduct of officials within the Pakistan High Commission itself. According to protest organisers, embassy staff played loud celebratory music during the demonstration, a move they described as “tone-deaf” and “disgraceful.”
In a sharply worded statement, organisers said, “Today’s protest was a call for justice and accountability. However, in a disturbing and shameful turn of events, officials within the Pakistan Embassy were seen playing loud celebratory music during the protest — a tone-deaf and disgraceful act that added deep insult to an already grievous injury.”
Protesters expressed deep dismay at the High Commission’s behavior, particularly given the grieving and solemn atmosphere surrounding the attack on innocent civilians. “While the world mourns the victims, the embassy’s actions displayed a shocking lack of empathy and human decency,” the statement added.
Notably, former Jammu and Kashmir director general of police Shesh Paul Vaid speaking with news agency ANI, said, “… All these Pakistanis are ‘Madrassa-chhap’ created by General Zia-ul-Haq. Whether it’s an army colonel, a diplomat, or a doctor – wherever they are, they are all ‘Madrassa-chhap’. They have the mentality of ‘Madrassa-chhap’. Gesturing that they will slit the throat of the people who are protesting peacefully.”
Calls for diplomatic accountability
In light of Colonel Rahat’s threatening gesture and the provocative conduct of embassy officials, demonstrators and community leaders are now urging the United Kingdom Government to summon Pakistan’s High Commissioner for an official explanation.
As anger simmers within the Indian and Jewish communities in the UK, there are growing demands for diplomatic action to ensure that such inflammatory behavior is not tolerated on British soil.
The incident has not only deepened the diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan but has also highlighted broader concerns regarding Pakistan’s global diplomatic conduct and its alleged complicity in promoting terrorism.
