Tensions escalated in London outside the Pakistan High Commission as a senior Pakistan Army official sparked outrage by making a throat-slitting gesture towards hundreds of protesters. The demonstration, which was a peaceful protest against a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, was met with an inflammatory and deeply provocative gesture. Holding a poster of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, the official mocked the protests, intensifying anger from netizens, who described the gesture as "sick," "disgusting," and a reminder of the lack of civility within Pakistan's military and diplomatic circles.
The official, identified by several social media users as Taimur Rahat, the Defence Attache at the Pakistan High Commission, became the focal point of widespread condemnation after a video of his actions went viral. This occurred just a week after the brutal killings of 26 tourists by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam, a tragic incident that has drawn outrage across India and the world.
The protest outside the High Commission, attended by more than 500 people from the Indian and Jewish communities, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims. One Indo-Jewish protester told ANI, “We support India because we face the same enemy: Islamist radicalisation. What happened in Pahalgam reminded us of the Hamas attack on Israel.” The sentiment resonated strongly with many at the scene, as they highlighted the common threat posed by radical ideologies.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh also condemned the military official’s behavior, issuing a stark warning to Pakistan. He stated, “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.” His words reflected the heightened tensions and anger over the situation.
The terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed — with reports indicating that terrorists specifically targeted Hindu men — has deeply affected not only the Indian public but also the global community. Survivors and eyewitnesses recounted how the attackers singled out the victims based on their religious identity, further fueling the outrage.
The cold-blooded nature of the killings, coupled with the inflammatory gestures from a Pakistani official, has exacerbated an already fraught atmosphere between India and Pakistan. Social media and diplomatic circles are now abuzz with calls for accountability and condemnation, as the global community reflects on the horrific events in Pahalgam.
