During a protest held outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Friday, members of the Indian community condemned the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. However, the situation escalated when a senior Pakistani Army officer was caught on camera making threatening gestures toward the demonstrators.
Videos circulating widely on social media show Colonel Taimur Rahat, the Pakistan Army and Air Advisor at the High Commission, making a throat-slitting gesture aimed at the protesting crowd. The footage has sparked anger among the Indian community and human rights observers.
Over 500 British Hindus gathered outside the Pakistan Embassy, carrying Indian flags, banners, and placards. The protestors voiced their grief over the loss of innocent lives and called for justice for the victims. Slogans were raised against terrorism, and Pakistan was strongly criticised for allegedly sheltering groups responsible for the attack.
Adding to the outrage, protestors accused the Pakistan High Commission of playing loud music and making insensitive comments during the solemn protest. In a statement, the 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. While the world mourns the victims, the embassy’s actions displayed a shocking lack of empathy and human decency. Organisers condemn the Embassy’s insensitive behaviour amid national grief.”
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, allegedly linked to Pakistan-sponsored militants, has led to widespread international condemnation. Families who were on a religious pilgrimage were reportedly targeted and brutally attacked, solely because of their faith.
