Pakistani diplomat's throat-slitting gesture sparks outrage in London protest

Protests have erupted across India in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Similar demonstrations have also been staged by members of the Indian diaspora in various countries. In one such protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in London, a Pakistani diplomat allegedly behaved in an aggressive and provocative manner.

During a peaceful protest staged by Indian-origin citizens in front of the Pakistan High Commission in London, Pakistani Defence Attaché Taimur Rahat came out of the building and made threatening gestures towards the demonstrators. One of the gestures allegedly imitated a throat-slitting motion, which sparked significant outrage and tension at the site of the protest.

Video footage capturing this incident was recorded and has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Protesters and observers allege that Taimur Rahat’s behavior was deliberately intended to intimidate and provoke Indian demonstrators.

Reports further claim that this is not the first time Taimur Rahat has been involved in such controversial conduct. In 2019, during the fallout of the incident involving Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman—whose aircraft was shot down and who was subsequently captured in Pakistan—Taimur Rahat was allegedly seen displaying a poster perceived as mocking the Indian pilot.

Numerous voices have condemned Taimur Rahat’s latest actions, asserting that such behavior is unbecoming of a diplomat. Critics have called for his immediate recall, stating that his actions reflect poorly on the diplomatic standards expected of officials at that level.