Latest news with #Rahat
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
People here feel proud of Iran connection
Patna: Rahat Hussain Irani feels proud of his Iran connection, as his forefathers migrated to India centuries ago. After completing his namaz, Rahat, who lives in Brahampura area of Muzaffapur, prays for the Iran-Israel military clashes to end. The 70-year-old was in deep pain when he heard about the Iran-Israel military clashes. "Iran is a peace-loving country, but it has the right to defend and raise its voice against the forces trying to crush the nation," he said. It is not that Rahat only came here from Iran. There are more than 500 people who call themselves Irani, living in the Brahampura and Paighambarpur localities in Muzaffarpur. Rahat is also addressed as Sardar, as he is seen as the leader of his tribe, and he is responsible for mediating in settling minor issues involving their people instead of going to the police. He said their ancestors came to India during the Mughal period in the course of trade, selling carpets. "Some of them preferred to stay here and even brought their families. We have our presence in Kishanganj, Murshidabad, Bhopal, Nagpur, Jabalpur, and other cities," he said and added that in Muzaffarpur, many of them have purchased land and built houses and imam bara. Most of them are in the business of selling gems, stones, specs and sunglasses. Echoing similar sentiments, Yusuf Ali Irani, who lives in Paighambarpur, said, "The entire world, particularly the Arab world, should condemn and support Iran." Yusuf, 50, is happy that people in India are by and large supporting Iran because India has had relations with the Gulft since ancient times. "India is being attacked by terrorists from Pakistan, and Iran is being attacked by Israel," he said and added that world peace could be possible with the teachings of Imam Hussain, Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
From knowing to painting thyself
Listen to article Dear Dr Rahat, Many congratulations on the successful reception of Beyond the Self. I have not seen any artist presenting self-portraits in such a number and variety recently. In our times, the rise of selfies and social media has led to increased scrutiny of self-portraits. Some may view these as a symptom of narcissism. The case worsens if the artist is a fair-skinned, tasteful lady. I remember you sharing your experience of how looks and social standing may steal the credit for all the hard work and intellect in the eyes of the envious. Beauty and brains are a lethal combination that can spark insecurity in others. The first two things the viewer of the collection, Beyond the Self, notices are the attractive personality of the sitter and the skillful hand of the painter. This impression fades away pretty quickly. The second glance makes one realise that the portraits do not do complete justice nor do they fully capture the warmth of your personality. Some works do not even look like representations of the same person. Such incongruity can be explained in many ways. Firstly, as Gombrich would say, "Making comes before matching, creation before reference." Or maybe in terms of maturing and constantly evolving personalities and identities as a result of socio-cultural and political scenarios. Overall, the portraits reveal quiet reflections and evolving identities as the main subject. The title of the collection aptly suggests a similar mindset, making portraits the quintessential representation of the slogan, "The personal is political". Iqbal said, "Apne mann mein doob kar pa ja suragh-e zindagi" meaning that everything you need is already inside you: you need to take a start. Studying oneself to understand the mysteries of nature is a phenomenon. Using oneself as a vessel to document and illustrate the surroundings and situations is courageous. This is what you have done daringly. The concept of self-exploration and its connection to the broader world has fascinated many. Al-Ghazali's words resonate with the idea in the most poetic way. "In a word, there is nothing closer to you than you. If you do not know yourself, how can you know anything else? ... You must seek out the truth about yourself: What sort of a thing are you? Where did you come from? Where are you going? Why have you come to this stopping place? For what purpose were you created? What is your happiness and what is your misery and where does that lie?" In his book, The Alchemy of Happiness, he emphasises that true happiness is achieved through self-knowledge and spiritual purification. It suggests that understanding one's true nature as a spiritual being obscured by worldly desires is the key to unlocking lasting happiness. Purifying the heart through moral discipline and eliminating selfish desires ultimately lead to a deeper connection with divine guidance. Such a cause elevates the status of art and creativity to a spiritual practice. In this context, painting becomes a form of meditation. This is how your portraits differ from the mindless duplication and random capture of camera selfies. In the history of art, artists have approached self-portraiture in unique ways. My favourites, before you, have been Rembrandt and Munch. The conviction towards creativity and artmaking sets Rembrandt apart from Munch, with over 40 known self-portraits attributed to the first and around 80 to the latter. Rembrandt seems to be preoccupied with experimentation in painting techniques, developing the illustrious 'Rembrandt Patch'. Munch's work is a direct reflection of his personality, biographical events and different stages of his mental trajectory. Munch sought to feel validated through his art with an ambition of seeing his work exhibited in every important room and museum. Your aesthetic ideals are somewhere in between the two extremes. They are closer to reality. They signify the compact realities of our times. Along with the inherent quest for divine connection and mastering representational techniques, there is a reflection of inner-state inkling with the socio-political integer. In this course of action, celebration and validation come naturally as one of the major concerns of portraiture. Sincerely, Bano June, 25
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.
