Saturday, March 29, 2025
Pakistani Diplomat in London Makes Throat-Slitting Gesture at Indian Protesters, Sparks Outrage
A senior Pakistani diplomat in London has triggered widespread outrage after being caught on camera making a threatening throat-slitting gesture toward Indian-origin protesters outside the Pakistan High Commission. The incident occurred on Friday during a peaceful demonstration by members of the Indian diaspora, who had gathered to condemn the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians.
He's not an ordinary Pakistani, but a Pakistani diplomat.
They threatened the people who were protesting outside Pakistan High Commission in London. And more importantly, note that 'slit-your-throat' gesture with Abhinandan's poster.From top to bottom, they’re all Jihadis. pic.twitter.com/9OFi61SZ1X
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) April 26, 2025
The official in question has been identified as Colonel Taimur Rahat, the Defence and Air Attaché at the Pakistan High Commission in London. Video footage that has since gone viral on social media shows Colonel Rahat drawing his hand across his throat while staring at the protesters, a gesture widely interpreted as a death threat.
More than 500 members of the Indian and Jewish communities participated in the protest, waving Indian flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans demanding justice for the victims and accountability for Pakistan’s alleged support of terrorism. Protest organizers condemned the Pakistan High Commission for playing loud celebratory music during the demonstration, calling it “a tone-deaf and disgraceful act that added insult to injury”.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian community and protest organizers, who have called for the UK government to summon the Pakistan High Commissioner for an official explanation. Many have also demanded that Colonel Rahat be recalled, arguing that such behavior is unbecoming of a diplomat and violates diplomatic norms.
This episode comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. In response, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari land border, and ordered Pakistani nationals to leave the country by May 1. Both nations have also reduced diplomatic staff at their respective High Commissions.
The throat-slitting gesture by a senior Pakistani diplomat has further strained relations and sparked debate over diplomatic conduct and the responsibilities of embassy officials during times of international crisis.
