Latest news with #Rahat
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who is Colonel Taimur Rahat, Pak diplomat who made ‘throat-slit' gesture in London?
During a protest held by members of the Indian community outside the Pakistan High Commission in London last week to denounce the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Colonel Taimur Rahat, a senior officer in the Pakistan Army, was filmed making threatening gestures toward the demonstrators. In widely circulated videos on social media, Colonel Rahat was seen publicly making a 'throat-slit gesture' directed at the Indian protesters on Friday. He was also spotted holding a poster featuring a sketch of IAF pilot Captain Abhinandan Varthaman with the phrase 'Chai is Fantastic', a reference to the pilot's time in Pakistani custody in February 2019. According to news agency ANI, Colonel Taimur Rahat currently holds the position of Pakistan Army and Air Advisor at the Pakistan High Commission in London. His name is also listed on the official website of the Pakistan High Commission in London as one of its officers. He is part of the Defence Wing at the High Commission in the UK. Rahat is married to Maham Taimur. In May last year, Maham Taimur was seen organising a 'social event' at the High Commission 'to celebrate the exquisiteness, diversity, talent and allure of Pakistan and its people.' The occasion had Sarah Naeem, the spouse of the High Commissioner, as the Chief Guest. More than 500 British Hindus gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Friday to protest the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. Waving Indian flags and holding placards, the demonstrators mourned the victims and demanded accountability. They raised slogans denouncing terrorism and accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting terror organisations behind such attacks. Protesters also criticised the Pakistan High Commission for playing loud music and making inappropriate remarks during a time of national grief. The Indian diaspora called on the UK government to summon Pakistan's High Commissioner for a formal explanation. They also urged Pakistan to publicly denounce the killings, stop sponsoring terrorism, and ensure the perpetrators and their supporters are brought to justice through international diplomatic pressure. In response to the attack, India initiated several diplomatic steps: it shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens—giving them 40 hours to leave the country—and reduced staff at both nations' High Commissions. India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 after nine years of talks facilitated by the World Bank, in reaction to the Pahalgam attack.
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First Post
26-04-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Explained: The controversy over Pakistan military officer's throat-slit gesture at Pahalgam attack protesters in London
A protest against the Pahalgam terror attack turned tense outside Pakistan's High Commission in London after a senior Pakistani military officer, Colonel Taimur Rahat, made a threatening throat-slitting gesture toward demonstrators. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about Pakistan's diplomatic conduct read more Members of the Indian community staged a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Representational Image/X-queenlioness86 Tensions outside the Pakistan High Commission in London escalated dramatically on Friday after a peaceful protest by the Indian and Jewish communities was marred by the actions of a senior Pakistani military officer. The demonstration, held to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, took an alarming turn when Colonel Taimur Rahat, the Pakistan Army and Air Advisor stationed in London, was caught on camera making a throat-slitting gesture toward the protestors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The video of the gesture, showing Rahat holding a placard with Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman's image while drawing his hand across his throat, quickly circulated on social media, igniting widespread anger and condemnation. How Pahalgam terror attack protests in UK are faring The protest outside the Pakistan High Commission witnessed the participation of over 500 individuals, including members of the Indian diaspora and Jewish community based in the United Kingdom. Demonstrators gathered with Indian flags, banners, and placards, calling out Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist groups and demanding justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, including one Nepali national. Today, the Indian community staged a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London against the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives. Indians and Pakistanis confronted each other outside the embassy, leading to heated arguments. #London #pahalgamattack — Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) April 26, 2025 Participants held signs reading 'Stop Cross-Border Terrorism,' 'Justice for Pahalgam Victims,' and 'I am Hindu,' while chanting slogans such as 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Pakistan Murdabad.' Many in the crowd carried placards denouncing terrorism and highlighting the need for global accountability. One protester told ANI, '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." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mood was solemn yet determined, with demonstrators observing a moment of silence to honor the lives lost during the horrific attack, described by many as the deadliest assault in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. WATCH: Pakistani officer's threatening gesture The demonstration, initially peaceful, took a disturbing turn when Colonel Taimur Rahat made a threatening throat-slitting motion aimed at the protesters. In the widely shared footage, Rahat is seen making the gesture while brandishing a poster featuring Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman. Pakistani diplomat makes a threatening gesture to protesting Indian diaspora in London. #Indians staged protest against #PahalgamTerroristAttack #PahalgamTerrorAttack #pahalgamattack outside Pakistan embassy in london. — Amandeep Dixit (@dixit_aman) April 26, 2025 Outraged by the behaviour, one of the protest organisers stated, 'This is not just insensitivity — it is provocation. If Pakistan cannot condemn terror, they are complicit in it.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A user on X reportedly drew parallels between the gesture and Pakistan's alleged repression in Balochistan, commenting, 'The throat-slitting gesture is a stark reminder of the lack of civility among Pakistan's military and diplomatic figures. This isn't just an isolated act, it mirrors the oppressive tactics used against peaceful protesters in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances and violence are rampant." Indo-Jewish community joined protests The protest was marked not just by Indian voices but also by strong support from the Jewish community in London, reflecting a growing sense of solidarity between communities facing common threats. An Indo-Jewish protester shared his perspective with ANI, saying, 'We support India because we face the same enemy: Islamist radicalisation. What happened in Pahalgam reminded us of the Hamas attack on Israel.' Also Watch: He further recalled personal experiences of terrorism, adding, '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.' He expressed admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's counterterrorism efforts, stating, 'PM Modi is doing great work, and I hope he does something to stop this terrorism." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Will Pakistan High Commission's conduct be held accountable? Adding to the protesters' outrage was the conduct of officials within the Pakistan High Commission itself. Organisers criticised the embassy for playing loud celebratory music during the demonstration, calling it 'a tone-deaf and disgraceful act that added insult to injury.' Pakistan embassy - London blared celebratory music, are they mocking the innocent #Hindus killed by terrorist? #BritishIndians Indians gathered peacefully at the Pakistan Embassy in London to protest the horrific terror attack in Kashmir that killed innocent Hindus.… — British Indians Voice 🇮🇳🇬🇧 (@BritIndianVoice) April 25, 2025 A statement from the organisers read, '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.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protestors viewed the embassy's actions as highly insensitive, especially given the grieving atmosphere surrounding the attack on civilians. 'While the world mourns the victims, the embassy's actions displayed a shocking lack of empathy and human decency,' the organisers said. Amid the fallout from Rahat's actions, demonstrators and community leaders are urging the UK Government to summon Pakistan's High Commissioner for an official explanation. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
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Business Standard
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Pak diplomat makes throat-slit gesture at UK protest over Pahalgam attack
Colonel Taimur Rahat, Pakistan's Army and Air Advisor at its High Commission in London, was captured on video making threatening gestures at Indian protesters gathered there to condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In the footage, Colonel Rahat can be seen holding a poster of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman. He then is seen making a gesture as though he is slitting the throats of Indian protesters. The video, which quickly went viral, shows him initially holding the poster with both hands before lowering one hand to make the throat-slitting motion towards the protesters. Pakistani diplomat makes a threatening gesture to protesting Indian diaspora in #London #pakistandiplomat #indianprotestinlondon #Pakistan #india #uk #unitedkingdon — Online24x7 (@ComOnline24x7) April 26, 2025 In a statement, the event organisers remarked, 'Today's protest was a call for justice and accountability. However, in a deeply troubling and disgraceful act, officials at the Pakistan High Commission were seen playing loud celebratory music during the protest. This tone-deaf response added further insult to an already painful situation. While the world mourns the victims, the high commission's actions reflected a disturbing lack of empathy.' 'Organisers condemn the mission's insensitive behaviour amid national mourning. This brutal terror attack, suspected to involve Pakistan-backed militants, has sparked widespread condemnation,' the statement stated. One protester told ANI, 'We have gathered here to protest against Pakistan. They have created a terror network, which led to the deaths of 26 of our people in Pahalgam. We are here to stand against this.' Another protester said that Indians in the UK were deeply upset by the 'atrocious terror attack' in Pahalgam. Pahalgam attack: India responds with tough measures against Pakistan As many as 26 people were killed and more than a dozen injured when terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday. The attack, claimed by Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy group The Resistance Front, marked one of the deadliest terrorist attacks since 2019. In the aftermath, India took unprecedented measures against Pakistan. The government suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, halting the flow of river water to Pakistan and announcing plans to increase dam capacity along the Indus basin. All visa services for Pakistani nationals were suspended, with existing visas revoked except for diplomatic and official categories. India also expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed the Attari land transit post, and downsized diplomatic missions. Tensions escalated along the Line of Control, with exchanges of gunfire reported as both nations traded accusations over the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to track down and punish every perpetrator and their backers, signalling a new phase of diplomatic and security pressure on Pakistan.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
AAP govt directs ETOs to conduct four raids every month; SAD and BJP say ‘tax terrorism'
Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP on Tuesday alleged that the AAP government had directed 240 Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) to conduct four raids each month, targeting penalties of Rs 8 lakh per case, and called it a 'goonda tax' and 'tax terrorism' to 'loot' small and medium traders. The former allies warned to hold separate 'state-wide agitation against the government if the directive hat not been rolled back'. The SAD, meanwhile, appealed to traders to gather in Ludhiana West during the ongoing by-election campaign. Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, senior SAD leader NK Sharma said, 'We will not let Punjab traders be subjected to tax terrorism and be treated as criminals. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will lead the protest dharnas.' Sharma alleged, 'The AAP government had directed 240 ETOs to conduct four raids each month, targeting penalties of Rs 8 lakh per case. This means 1,200 raids and a total annual collection exceeding Rs 1,100 crore. How can anyone do business in Punjab in such a situation?' In Chandigarh, Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen alleged that the AAP government was using the taxation department as a 'tool for extortion', and warned, 'If the government does not roll back this directive and stops forcibly extorting traders, the BJP will launch a statewide agitation.' 'This will undoubtedly lead to arbitrary actions by officials and promote a culture of Inspector Raj and open corruption. The government has unofficially instructed officers to yield fines through the inspections. This isn't merely harassment of traders, but a direct robbery of their hard-earned money,' Sareen said. Demanding the revival of the 2014 Rahat scheme introduced by then deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sharma said, 'The scheme ensured the dignity of traders and ended Inspector Raj.' Accusing Delhi AAP leadership of the current situation in Punjab, Sharma said, 'The AAP's loss in the Delhi Assembly elections was a black day for Punjab. Their central leadership is now milking Punjab dry.'
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
SAD, BJP slam AAP for ‘tax terrorism', threaten agitaion
Chandigarh: The Shiromani Akali Dal ( SAD ) and the BJP on Tuesday made scathing attacks on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab. They accused the AAP-led govt of unleashing " tax terrorism " and claimed that the Bhagwant Mann-led dispensation was planning to "loot" the state's traders by conducting raids on them. Both parties warned of launching a statewide agitation over the issue. In a post on X, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the AAP and CM Mann were "seeking to destroy the small and medium traders by forcing taxation officers across Punjab to conduct 1,000 raids every month to extort money to fund their excesses". "The @Akali_Dal_ appeals to traders to unite and oppose this official goondaism which will vitiate the business environment in the state. We will also launch a public movement against this drive and demand that the 'Rahat' scheme, launched by the Akali govt, is implemented to end Inspector Raj," said Sukhbir. He further said: "The 'Rahat' scheme allowed traders to pay between Rs 5,000 tax for a turnover of Rs 25 lakh and Rs 20,000 tax for a turnover of Rs 1 crore and restricted the entry of Tax officials in business premises." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo He added: "This is needed to safeguard the trading community which is already facing the brunt of criminal gangs and extortions." Terming the govt move "shocking", Punjab BJP general secretary Anil Sarin said: "The Punjab govt, under the Aam Aadmi Party, has devised a plan to loot the state's traders to cover the expenses of its leaders from Delhi. The AAP govt is now using the taxation department as a tool for extortion." Talking to mediapersons, Sarin alleged: "On April 18, the AAP govt issued a new directive to ensure that each Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) conducts four inspections every month and resolves them within the same timeframe. This would result in around 1,200 inspections across the state each month. If an average penalty of Rs 8 lakh is imposed per inspection, the monthly collection would total Rs 96 crore and annually a staggering Rs 1,152 crore." He added: "This would undoubtedly lead to arbitrary actions by officials and promote a culture of Inspector Raj and open corruption." Sarin also alleged: "The govt has unofficially instructed officers that every inspection must yield fines of Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh. This isn't merely harassment of traders, but direct robbery of their hard-earned money." He warned: "If the govt does not roll back this directive and stops forcibly extorting traders, the BJP will launch a statewide agitation in protest." Senior SAD leader N K Sharma also held a press conference on the issue and said SAD would go to each and every city and expose the "goonda tax" being collected by the AAP govt. He appealed to the traders to converge at Ludhiana West to confront the AAP during the ongoing campaigning for the byelection. Sharma said the party president, Sukhbir Singh Badal, would lead the 'dharnas'. Sharma added: "We will not let Punjabi traders be subjected to tax terrorism and be treated as criminals." Pointing out that 1,200 raids in one year would result in a total collection of more than Rs 1,100 crore annually, the SAD leader asked: "How can anyone do business in Punjab in such a situation?" He said traders were already facing lawlessness, criminal gangs, and extortions. "This is why they have already announced to invest Rs 2.35 lakh crore in Uttar Pradesh and are also investing in a troubled state like Jammu and Kashmir," Sharma added. MSID:: 120520454 413 |
